Tigers willing to trade 'just about everyone,' including Skubal

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Tigers willing to trade 'just about everyone,' including Tarik Skubal

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 7/26/22

Despite high expectations coming into the 2022 season, the Detroit Tigers come into action on Tuesday in last place in the AL Central with a 39-58 record.

In July, the team has sent highly-touted rookie first baseman Spencer Torkelson back down to the minors after an ice-cold start at the dish. April acquisition Austin Meadows suffered setback after setback on the injury front. And fellow newcomer Eduardo Rodriguez has been MIA since going on the restricted list for personal reasons in June. It was reported last weekend that the 29-year-old southpaw is targeting a late-August return, so perhaps there are better days ahead for fans in Motown.

With the trade deadline one week away, however, Tigers brass may be preparing to blow things up.

Sources: Tigers willing to trade Tarik Skubal and “just about everyone.”https://t.co/8XmSF6u2GM
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 26, 2022

A lefty like Rodriguez, Skubal is one of Detroit's most promising young arms. He currently has a 3.88 ERA and 1.17 WHIP (both lead all Tigers starting pitchers). The 25-year-old also has more than double the number of strikeouts (111) as any other pitcher on the team in his 106 2/3 innings of work.

"Yet, even with several of the Tigers’ other young starters on the injured list, the team is willing to trade him, according to rival executives with multiple clubs," Rosenthal wrote of Skubal. "The Tigers 'gave us a blanket that just about everyone is available,' one official said. Another speculated the Tigers are trying to be opportunistic and extract a big return for Skubal from teams that might strike out on the Reds' Luis Castillo and the Athletics' Frankie Montas, the best starting pitchers known to be available."

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