Detroit — Amid swirling speculation about his future, Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has broken his silence on rumors linking him to other teams. The 28-year-old left-hander, who has emerged as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball, made it clear where he stands: his heart is still in Detroit.
Recent reports suggested that several contenders — including the Orioles, Dodgers, and Yankees — had expressed interest in acquiring Skubal. While the Tigers front office has acknowledged listening to offers, the asking price has been steep, reflecting Skubal’s value as a Cy Young-caliber starter.
Skubal, however, downplayed the trade chatter. “I can’t control the rumors, but what I can control is how I pitch and how I show up for my teammates,” he said before Monday’s game. “Detroit has believed in me since day one, and my focus is on helping this team win.”
The Tigers are in the midst of reshaping their roster under president of baseball operations Jeff Greenberg, but sources close to the team have indicated that Skubal remains a central piece of the long-term plan. Still, with his rising stock and multiple years of team control remaining, speculation has persisted that rival clubs might test Detroit’s resolve.
Fans at Comerica Park greeted Skubal warmly in his latest start, chanting his name as he walked off the mound. The left-hander acknowledged the support, saying, “The fans here are special. To feel that kind of energy means a lot. Detroit feels like home to me.”
For now, the rumors remain just that. As the offseason approaches, Skubal’s name may continue to surface in trade talks, but his message is clear: his commitment lies with the Tigers, and his priority is to keep building with the team that drafted him.
About the Author
