“Any talk about him being traded is silly” - MLB analyst shuts down rumors of possible Tarik Skubal trade as Tigers keen on retaining star pitcher

Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers will be at the top of the wishlist for many teams during this trade deadline. However, the notion that the Tigers would be willing to let go of their ace is unrealistic, according to MLB insider Jeff Passan.

Although the Detriot Tigers have had an underwhelming season, Skubal has been the standout player on the team. The southpaw pitcher has earned his maiden call-up to the All-Star game and is widely considered to be the top contender for the Cy Young Award in the American League this year.

As the Tigers seem highly unlikely to reach the postseason for yet another year, it was rumored that they would be willing to trade their ace. Tarik Skubal has two and a half years of club control left on his contract, and with his high demand, he could bring a haul of top prospects. However, Jeff Passan yesterday squashed those rumors in a tweet:

"OK. Tarik Skubal has been the best pitcher in baseball this season. He’s the favorite to win the AL Cy Young — which I picked him to do before the season. Any talk about him being traded is silly. And if he’s available, he should absolutely start the All-Star Game for the AL."

Despite the dominant performances on the mound from Skubal, the Detroit Tigers have been quite ordinary this season, largely due to their offensive production.

Among the 30 major league teams, it ranks 24th in batting average and 27th in on-base percentage. The Tigers are fourth in the AL Central with a 45-49 record and seven games behind the final wildcard berth.

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2024 has been a breakthrough year for Tarik Skubal

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is enjoying his best season in the MLB this year (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Skubal is in his fifth year in the major leagues and is finally performing to his potential this season. The 27-year-old was expected to be among the top pitchers this year after ending the 2023 campaign in dominant fashion and hasn't disappointed.

Skubal has compiled 4.2 bWAR, the most among Tigers players and the third-best among all MLB pitchers. He has a 10-3 record in 18 starts, with a 2.37 ERA and a league-leading 0.900 WHIP. Moreover, he ranks in the top-10 for hits per 9 IP, strikeouts per 9 IP and home runs per 9 IP.

As Jeff Passan mentioned, Tarik Skubal is tipped to be the starting pitcher for the American League at the 2024 All-Star game.