Jeff Passan not shutting up about Tarik Skubal trade rumors is concerning for Tigers

The Detroit Tigers have gotten themselves into quite a dilemma with Tarik Skubal. The way the team has played its cards, there might not be any completely happy solution. Trying to determine the best path forward can feel like trying to untangle the wires of your old chargers in the junk drawer. At first, it's an unfathomable tangled mess, but over time you start to get clarity on which moves to make and which to avoid.

The Tigers are nearing that point, because once 6 PM hits on Aug. 3, we'll have a resolution for better or for worse. But we might not have to wait that long, because ESPN's Jeff Passan keeps egging us on.

Passan has been consistent in updating the world on Detroit's record and place in the standings. Where the club lands in the wild card chase could be very telling as to what the plan with Skubal ends up being, and right now, things are moving pretty rapidly towards a trade deadline divorce.

His latest intel: rival executives believe that the Tigers want to trade Skubal, but may not be able to.

The Tigers must realize their postseason dreams are a mirage and act accordingly with Tarik Skubal

Passan isn't the only one counting the wins and losses. USA Today's Bob Nightengale is piling on, pointing out that the Tigers have now lost three straight, falling seven games below .500 and now sit four games back of the Cleveland Guardians for the final AL Wild Card spot.

Not only is Detroit losing ground, but they have a tremendous number of teams to leapfrog to get back into the playoff picture. Standing between the Tigers are the Orioles, Mariners, Astros, and Twins. Bypassing that quartet and then besting the Guardians is a tall task.

Beyond that, the horses that supported Skubal and brought the Tigers back into prominence in 2024 are crumbling. Kerry Carpenter has landed on the IL, but even before that, his bat tailing off created a power void from the left side.

He's not the only one, either. Matt Vierling went from a dynamic utility man to a guy who is hard to justify keeping on the roster. The list of disappointments goes on and on.

The Tigers would have to go on a huge shopping spree to truly convince folks that they'd be legitimate World Series contenders with Skubal, and Scott Harris' history makes that seem highly unlikely.

Considering that, it might be time to acknowledge that this is now Kevin McGonigle's team, and they need to focus more on that timeline rather than pretending that they can win a World Series this season with Skubal.

That means going out and trading Skubal for the best possible package, with a keen eye on getting a controllable arm with potential back for the rotation in addition to the biggest haul possible. Beyond this season, Casey Mize and Jack Flaherty are walking out the door as well, leaving the rotation very thin for 2027.

Trading Skubal now doesn't mean they have to completely wave the white flag on the season, but it does mean that Detroit is being realistic about its World Series hopes. It also means understanding that preparing for the future might be more important than trying to salvage a lost season. The worst-case scenario would be losing Skubal for nothing other than a comp pick in the winter, so this is the Tigers' last hope to prevent that from happening.

Besides, while it might not be likely, there's always a chance that the Tigers can trade him for a treasure chest of assets now and then decide that they want to pony up and reunite with him in the offseason. That probably won't happen, but if it did, they'd be better off for it.

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