Detroit finds itself in a wild position as the MLB trade deadline looms, with ESPN insiders Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan just dropping their re-ranking of top-100 trade targets on Tuesday, July 21. The Tigers are absolutely littered with attractive players, which would normally be great, but their record is reportedly bad enough that they might actually start dealing them. It’s a strange situation, for real.
Lefty Ace Tarik Skubal: On The Block, Or Not?
At the top of ESPN’s ranking for potential trade deadline targets is none other than Detroit’s lefty ace, Tarik Skubal. This guy is a certified stud, and ESPN is listing his chance of being traded at a pretty high 60%. Talk about a bombshell! But here’s where it gets even crazier: rival MLB executives are saying the Tigers actually intend to keep Skubal. So, what’s the deal? Is he staying or going? Skubal is 29 years old and set to be an unrestricted free agent in 2027, so you can bet other teams are salivating at the thought of adding him before the August 3, 2026, deadline. That kind of uncertainty around your top guy has to be nerve-wracking for fans.
The Tigers’ Deep List Of Potential Deals
Skubal isn’t the only name floating around. The Tigers have a staggering 12 potential trade candidates if they decide to become sellers. We’re talking about a serious roster shake-up here. Starting pitchers Casey Mize, age 29, and Jack Flaherty, age 30, are also on the list, both becoming unrestricted free agents in 2027. Then you’ve got Gleyber Torres, the 29-year-old second baseman, also a 2027 UFA. That’s a lot of expiring talent.
But it doesn’t stop there. Their bullpen could look totally different too, with relief pitchers Kyle Finnegan, 34, and Kenley Jansen, 38, both having contract situations that could make them attractive. Finnegan has an $8 million deal for 2027 and a mutual option for 2028, while Jansen has a $12 million club option for 2027. Even younger guys like DH/right fielder Kerry Carpenter, age 28, who’s arbitration eligible for two more years, and 26-year-old pitcher Keider Montero, arbitration eligible for four more years, are on the table. Other names include relief pitchers Tyler Holton and Drew Anderson, plus infielders/outfielders Zach McKinstry and Matt Vierling.
This team is practically a walking trade expo. The August 3 deadline is coming fast, and the big question is whether Detroit truly becomes sellers. If they do, this roster could look dramatically different by the time the dust settles.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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