'Goner,' New Tarik Skubal Rumors on Dodgers, Yankees, More MLB Teams amid Tigers SP's Injury Rehab

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal continues to make progress in his recovery from elbow surgery, but it sounds like his future with the team remains up in the air.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported that while Skubal is scheduled to throw another simulated game on Monday, "a growing belief exists within the industry that Skubal is a goner."

Rosenthal added that "every contender will at least check in" on Skubal's availability ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, and he named the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees among those who would be interested in acquiring him.

Skubal underwent an innovative new surgery to remove a loose body from his left elbow. His continued progress in his recovery indicates that he could be back on the mound within the next few weeks.

According to Rosenthal, if Skubal's procedure was successful, "the frenzy to acquire him might even top what we saw with Juan Soto in 2022 or any other July auction in recent memory." He added that the Tigers "likely will hold off as long as possible before the Aug. 3 deadline, allowing demand to build and Skubal to demonstrate he is back to his two-time Cy Young form."

In addition to the Dodgers and Yankees, Rosenthal listed the San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays as teams that would explore the possibility of acquiring Skubal from Detroit.

While the Tigers are hoping for a major return for the back-to-back reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, Rosenthal explained that they could have to temper their expectations.

"If the Tigers keep Skubal, then make him a qualifying offer and lose him as a free agent, they will receive only a draft pick after the first round as compensation," Rosenthal explained. "A trade would yield greater projected value, though the return would be depressed by three factors: Skubal's status as a rental, the remaining portion of his $32 million salary he is owed and his lack of eligibility for a qualifying offer as a player traded in the middle of a season."

It's clear that Skubal will be the biggest trade piece heading into the summer, so the Tigers are facing a crucial decision over the next few months.