Tigers could pursue Marlins' Sandy Alcantara in light of Tarik Skubal’s surgery announcement

The Detroit Tigers have officially lost their ace, Tarik Skubal, for an extended period after he underwent elbow surgery. Skubal is set to have bone chips removed, a procedure that has become increasingly common across the league this season.

“Two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is expected to undergo left elbow surgery today. He is to have bone chips causing irritation removed. The initial hope/belief is Skubal, who had been throwing 98 mph, could be back in about two months,” MLB insider Jon Heyman posted.

With Detroit losing Skubal, it would make sense for the organization to pursue another frontline arm. Sandy Alcantara is a name worth monitoring closely. The Miami Marlins right-hander has looked dominant this season and appears to have returned to the form he showed prior to his injury a few years ago.

Alcantara has looked motivated throughout the 2026 season, highlighted by throwing the first complete game of the year. The former Cy Young winner could help fill the massive void left in Detroit’s rotation while Skubal recovers.

Detroit did sign World Series champion Framber Valdez during free agency, giving the Tigers another proven arm capable of stepping up immediately. However, Valdez found himself at the center of controversy Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox after a benches-clearing incident.

If Detroit wants another reliable ace-level presence, adding Alcantara could provide stability and depth to the rotation. Once Skubal eventually returns, the Tigers could suddenly have one of the most dangerous pitching trios in baseball.

Detroit already has impressive depth behind its top starters, with pitchers like Casey Mize, Jack Flaherty, and Justin Verlander contributing to the staff. Adding Alcantara would give the Tigers one of the strongest rotations not only in the American League, but in all of MLB.

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The Tigers are expected to be aggressive at the trade deadline, and Alcantara could quickly become one of their top targets. As a former Cy Young winner who appears to be regaining elite form, he would immediately become one of the biggest names available if the Marlins decide to sell.

With Skubal potentially sidelined until late August, Detroit may not have the luxury of waiting. If the Marlins fall further out of playoff contention, they could demand a significant trade package in exchange for their ace.

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