In a trade shock that could change the balance of the entire MLB, the Chicago Cubs are heavily expected to target Tarik Skubal — Detroit Tigers’ star pitcher — for a blockbuster worth around $400 million. If the deal happens, all calculations of the Cubs’ force and playoff ambitions will be pushed to a new level.
After the Cubs’ impressive 2025 season (92‑70, advancing to the NLDS), the team is facing the prospect of losing ace hitter Kyle Tucker. In that context, Chicago management may choose to not just replace—but “absolutely upgrade” the force: Skubal brings the ace pitching ability that the Cubs are craving.
Tarik Skubal is not just any ordinary pitcher — he just won two consecutive Cy Young Awards, leads MLB in ERA, strikeouts, and is one of the most feared “front‑line starters” today. Skubal’s 2025 season statistics are proof: ERA ~2.21, strikeouts 241, WHIP only 0.891 — numbers that are not only “peak” but also enough to shake up any opposing lineup.
Therefore, the “400 million USD” price tag that many analysts assign to Skubal is not too expensive — with a “one-of-a-kind” pitcher in hand, the Cubs can redefine ambition: from a pretty good team to a formidable one every Playoff season.
If Skubal lands at Wrigley Field, the Cubs will have more than just a single ace, but the ability to build a formidable rotation: Skubal + promising pitcher Cade Horton + supporting names—enough to make the Cubs a real challenger for the title.
Moreover, signing Skubal would send a clear message: The Cubs are no longer playing to get to the postseason. They want to “go all in”—the World Series. Investing resources to bring in an ace like Skubal reflects a long-term vision: regaining the aura, building a “core” with top-notch stars.
Of course, the fee and “transfer price” that the Cubs would have to pay the Tigers—including young, promising talent—would not be small. In exchange for a “dynamite” ace, the Cubs are also accepting risk: if Skubal does not sign long-term, or if an injury occurs, the price could turn into a burden.
And with the offseason market so hot, any move could be blown up, a deal could fall apart at any moment. But with Skubal — the “super ace” at this point — it’s hard for cool heads in Chicago to ignore.
Right now, both the Cubs and Tigers are under pressure: The Cubs have to decide now — whether to go big, spend money to “grab” Skubal or not. The Tigers, on the other hand, are at risk of losing their number one ace — handing over a devastating weapon to someone else. For MLB fans, this isn’t just a trade — it’s an aftershock, enough to shake up the 2025–2026 offseason.
One name — Skubal. One deal — that could reshape the course of history. Who can say we’re not witnessing the Cubs’ biggest turnaround since the golden years?
And if all goes as predicted — get ready to see the Chicago Cubs become the scariest name every time October comes knocking.
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