DETROIT — Detroit Tigers No. 1 pitcher Tarik Skubal has appeared at Arizona Fall League (AFL) games, and just days later, speculation about his future has exploded. Images of Skubal watching from the stands, combined with his 2024 AL Cy Young honor, have left fans and analysts wondering: Will he stay with the Tigers, or will he be the target of a blockbuster trade?
Skubal, the 2025 AL Cy Young Finalist with one year left on his contract before he becomes a free agent, is at the center of all the talk about Detroit’s long-term plans. According to experts, his appearance in the AFL, while a normal action for players in the offseason, comes amid rumors of a contract extension or trade. This immediately caused the media and fans to make many hypotheses.
“A pitcher with the form of Tarik is always a valuable asset. While Detroit wants to keep him, there is no denying that the transfer market is extremely sensitive to players like Skubal,” an MLB analyst shared with Yahoo Sports. Sources said that the New York Mets are being mentioned as a potential team interested in signing or trading for the No. 1 pitcher, emphasizing the strategic importance of having a Cy Young Winner on the roster.
Skubal’s arrival in the AFL has not only stirred up Detroit Tigers fans, but also created a wave of discussion about future scenarios: will the Tigers extend his contract to keep him, or take the opportunity to acquire valuable assets through a trade before he becomes a free agent? Many experts believe that the Tigers’ decision next year will directly affect their rebuilding plans, especially when Skubal is still at the peak of his performance.
Last season, Skubal proved himself to be a key pitcher with skillful technical throws and the ability to maintain an impressively low ERA. With the 2024 Cy Young in hand and a Finalist for 2025, he is not only the face of the Tigers on the field but also a symbol to attract fans and create strategic pressure on opponents. So, his appearance in the AFL amid the trade rumors has all eyes on Detroit and what the team will do next.
Sources close to the Tigers say the management is carefully considering all options. One is to keep Skubal, continue to build around him for long-term success; the other is to consider the possibility of a trade, taking advantage of the high price other teams are willing to pay for a Cy Young Winner-caliber pitcher. Meanwhile, Skubal has been focused on the AFL, appearing relaxed but also professional, leaving fans curious about the potential signs of an upcoming decision.
While the final outcome is unclear, Tarik Skubal’s appearance in the Arizona Fall League has certainly “ignited” discussions about his future – and the future of the Detroit Tigers. Will he continue to be loyal to the team, or will he become a “trading bait” that will shock the entire MLB? Only time will tell.
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