Why Tigers shouldn't regret trading Tarik Skubal even if they make MLB playoffs originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Detroit Tigers made the somewhat controversial decision to trade away Tarik Skubal at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, sending him to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Considering the Tigers weren't too far back from the AL Wild Card, it was met with some scrutiny. Since the trade, the Tigers have gotten closer to the playoffs, now sitting just 1.0 game back of the AL Wild Card. So, should the Tigers have really traded Skubal?
Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report questioned whether the Tigers would come to regret their decision to trade Skubal. But in reality, this was the best decision for the future of the franchise. Even if they make the playoffs, trading Skubal was the right call.
Why Tigers' trade of Tarik Skubal was the right move regardless of playoff chances
"However, for at least the rest of the season, Harris and company will likely wonder what would have happened if they went the other route and potentially added a piece or two," Kelly writes.
This is an interesting hypothetical, as the Tigers were making it close heading into the trade deadline before their heartbreaking loss to the Baltimore Orioles in extra innings.
If not for that loss, maybe the Tigers would wind up keeping Skubal and Casey Mize and buy at the deadline, upgrading their bullpen and offense where needed.
But trading both Skubal and Mize was the right decision for the future of the Tigers. As Kelly put it, "Alas, moving Skubal and Mize was probably the right long-term move for Detroit."
Even if the Tigers wind up making the postseason this year, and in the wide-open American League could've gone on a deep run, the uncertainty of losing Skubal in the offseason would've been a cloud looming over the franchise.
MORE: Dodgers and Mets predicted to be only teams active in Tarik Skubal’s free agent market
If they couldn't win the World Series, their decision to keep Skubal would've looked like a massive mistake considering the haul they could've gotten for him.
The Tigers got the haul for Skubal, landing River Ryan, Zyhir Hope, and Brady Smith for the Cy Young-winning ace. It was a decent package for a half-season rental of Skubal, and now the Tigers have avoided the worst-case scenario.
Losing Skubal in free agency would've been a nightmare for the Tigers and could've set them back a lot, just like what happened to the Los Angeles Angels when they didn't trade Shohei Ohtani as they should have.
Sure, keeping Skubal and Mize, buying at the deadline, and pushing for the postseason would've been fun in the moment. But, looking at the future of the franchise, the Tigers should not regret their decision to trade away both starters this summer.
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