Jon Heyman Tarik Skubal and 19 other players who could be moved at MLB’s trade deadline By Jon Heyman Published June 4, 2026, 7:12 p.m. ET Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers pitches in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on April 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. Getty Images Two-time reigning Cy Young champion Tarik Skubal is believed to be about two weeks from pitching for the Tigers. And maybe not much longer than that from joining another team.
Skubal should be the biggest star of this trading season. The disappointing Tigers will almost surely trade Skubal because they have no chance to extend him, and he’ll bring a haul even as a highly-paid ($32M) rental.
Several big-market teams are disappointing, which means some very big-money players may also hit the trade target. But rival execs are guessing at least the disappointing Red Sox, Astros and Twins will be reluctant to sell in a weak American League. Here’s our first of possibly many lists of big-name veterans who could hit the market:
The superstar looked great in his simulated game Monday, putting him on track for a return date in a fortnight, only six weeks from his elbow surgery performed with a nanoscope (aka “Skubal scope”). Regarding a trade, one exec says, “They can’t [mess] this up.” The Cubs have a need and a nice link to Detroit (Tigers honchos Scott Harris and Jeff Greenberg came from there). The Dodgers, Rays and Brewers have big prospects to offer, and the Padres and Phillies have the most aggressive GMs. As per usual, don’t bet against LA.
