Tarik Skubal reveals true feelings on Tigers amid trade rumors

There is a lot of attention on the Detroit Tigers as July moves along, but not as a possible top postseason contender, but rather as a team to trade with this summer.

Tarik Skbual is at the center of that trade interest, as the back-to-back Cy Young winner could be on the move this summer. However, amid all of those Skubal trade rumors, what does the man himself have to say about his name being in trade talks this summer?

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Skubal has informed friends close to him that he doesn't want to leave the Tigers, revealing he wishes to see the 2026 season through with Detroit.

Tarik Skubal 'badly' wants to stick in Detroit, at least through 2026 season

"Skubal has informed friends that he badly wants to stay in Detroit the rest of the season, believing they have a legitimate shot at the World Series, and has zero appetite to be traded," Nightengale writes.

This is an interesting report from Nightengale, as Skubal "badly" wanting to stay in Detroit this season is maybe a little unexpected considering the huge gap in contract talks, and his likelihood of hitting free agency and leaving after 2026.

Skubal said recently, "I've never lost faith." The Tigers might not have had a good season so far, sitting at 44-51, but just 2.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, they're very much in play to make the playoffs.

MORE: What did Blue Jays get for Tommy Nance? Twins send .855 OPS catcher prospect in trade

But a poor second-half of July could lead Detroit to be a trade deadline seller. If such a scenario comes to pass, Skubal seemingly doesn't want to be dealt.

However, since he doesn't have a no-trade clause, the Tigers might wind up trading Skubal despite the ace's wish to stay in Detroit this season.

It would be a massive mistake to let Skubal walk in free agency for nothing if the Tigers are not legitimate postseason contenders. Detroit should trade Skubal if they're well outside of a postseason spot by the August 3 trade deadline.

But, according to this update from Nightengale, Skubal doesn't want to be dealt. Instead, the Tigers' ace "badly" want's to play out the year in Detroit, as he still believes in this team.

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