Tarik Skubal might become a distraction for Tigers amid uncertain future

The Detroit Tigers have been one of the least active teams in free agency and the trade market this offseason. But that doesn't mean the trade market hasn't come to them.

Tarik Skubal trade rumors have been prevalent all offseason, and with the massive gap in contract talks, the Tigers and Skubal could be heading towards a split.

Skubal might be traded, or he might stay for the 2026 season. According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, that uncertain future might become a distraction for the Tigers. Skubal's uncertain future could be bad for the Tigers.

Tigers face possible distraction amid Tarik Skubal trade rumors

"Will they win or lose their arbitration case with Skubal?" Bowden writes. "And will they hold onto him until the trade deadline, sign him to a long-term contract, or trade him before the season? It's a story that is not going away this year, and it could become a distraction."

While it might be too harsh to say that Skubal, himself, is a distraction, it is hard to deny that this situation wouldn't have a massive impact on the outlook for the Tigers this season.

If Skubal is back for the entire year, then the Tigers will be able to fully contend for the 2026 World Series. But if he's traded before the season or during the season, their postseason hopes will be all but gone.

Their asking price is appropriately high, but the waiting game with Skubal's future in Detroit might end up hurting the Tigers more than it should.

More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency

Skubal is worth the hassle, as a pitcher like him doesn't come around often. But that doesn't mean the Tigers' situation with Skubal is a good one.

Bowden believes this uncertainty could become a distraction, and who's to say it already hasn't?

It's what most people talk about when discussing the Tigers, and it is the deciding factor in whether the Tigers will be taken seriously or not this upcoming season.

Skubal is, essentially, already a distraction for the Tigers. Scott Harris and company need to figure this out soon, otherwise, the uncertainty with Skubal's future in Detroit could become an even bigger distraction.

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