Tigers plan with Tarik Skubal trade rumors reveal All-Star significance

Apr 18, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

The Detroit Tigers came into the year as a top World Series contender, but after a brutal start to the season, coinciding with Tarik Skubal's injury, things looked more likely to be a fire sale by the trade deadline than a contending year.

But, following a strong beginning to June, the Tigers are trending in the right direction. And now, Skubal is even back in the rotation. With all of the change lately, where do the Tigers stand leading up to the trade deadline?

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Tigers have a plan with Skubal, and likely others, for the MLB trade deadline. Teams should call the Tigers around the All-Star break, as Detroit plans to have a trade deadline decision by then.

Tigers plan to make trade deadline decision on Skubal by All-Star break

"The Tigers plan to wait until around the All-Star break to see if they can get back in the race before pulling the plug on their season and trading Skubal," Nightengale writes.

This plan from the Tigers makes a lot of sense. While it looked likely they'd be completely tearing down this roster a few weeks ago, now, they might return to postseason relevance, especially in a weak AL Wild Card field.

However, if things go south from now until the All-Star break, and they're not in good shape for a postseason spot, then the Tigers might be ready to tear things apart.

MORE: Tarik Skubal being traded by Tigers would help him in free agency

Skubal has a 2.83 ERA and is going to be one of the most sought-after pitchers on the trade market if made available. The Tigers would be foolish not to trade him if they're far out of a postseason spot by the deadline.

And it appears as if their decision to trade Skubal or not will be made around the All-Star break. That gives the Tigers 25 more games to figure out if they're going to trade or keep Skubal this summer.

This decision will be the most anticipated of the entire season, and while it won't happen for some time, one month from now, the Tigers plan to finally determine if Skubal is going to be traded or not.

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