Tigers urged to trade Tarik Skubal despite two big problems

The Detroit Tigers are sitting at 38-49 on the regular season as July gets underway, and 8.0 games back in the AL Central.

But, with a weak AL Wild Card, the Tigers are just 6.0 games back of a postseason spot. It wouldn't be a huge surprise if they made the postseason still. And yet, the Tigers are still getting plenty of Tarik Skubal trade rumors and speculation.

ESPN's David Schoenfield is urging the Tigers to trade Skubal, and that's despite two big problems likely putting a pause on a trade. Those two issues revolve around Skubal's play since returning from injury, and the team's playoff chances.

Tigers have two major problems with potential Tarik Skubal trade

Tarik Skubal's struggles since returning from injury

"First, though Skubal has returned from his elbow injury and throwing as hard as pre-injury, the results haven't been up to his usual standards, as he has given up seven home runs in four starts since coming off the injured list," Schoenfield writes.

With Skubal not pitching as well as he was before his elbow surgery, it's fair to wonder if teams around baseball will have a bit of pause giving the Tigers an offer they can't refuse.

Detroit might still wind up trading Skubal if things fall apart in July, but Skubal's struggles certainly aren't helping his trade odds. A recent quality six-inning outing against the New York Yankees helps, but Skubal needs to pitch a bit better from now on.

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Tigers might not see themselves as sellers

"Second, the Tigers will need to be convinced they're out of the playoff race - and though they're 11 games under .500, FanGraphs puts their chances of making the playoffs at around 24%," Schoenfield writes.

This is the simplest reason why a trade of Skubal might not happen, as the Tigers might believe they're still postseason contenders come the trade deadline.

Despite being well below .500 right now, they have a decent chance to make the postseason, and with a positive run differential of plus-11, one of just five teams in the AL with a positive run differential, the Tigers do have reason to believe this year.

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Despite that, Detroit should trade Skubal

"Given the struggles of the bullpen and an inconsistent offense, a run like two years ago feels unlikely, so it still makes sense for the Tigers to cash in on Skubal and add more premium young talent," Schoenfield writes.

Even though there are two major issues with a potential Skubal blockbuster, Schoenfield's point is a good one, in that cashing in on the Cy Young winner now makes more sense than holding onto him for a vain postseason push.

This team just isn't good enough right now. Trading Skubal would be the smart decision for the future of the franchise. The package they could get would help set the team up for success in the long-term.

Losing Skubal would sting, but for the sake of the Tigers' future, a trade of the Cy Young-winning ace makes the most sense this summer.

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