Could the Detroit Tigers Shock MLB by Becoming Trade Deadline Sellers?
The Detroit Tigers are struggling as summer approaches. Through 42 games, the Tigers are tied for last in the AL […]
Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Detroit Tigers are struggling as summer approaches. Through 42 games, the Tigers are tied for last in the AL Central with a 19-23 record. The 2026 MLB season was expected to be a good one for Detroit; however, injuries have significantly impacted the organization.
Now, the Tigers could be on the verge of selling some of their key pieces ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline. Detroit Tigers labeled as potential sellers at 2026 MLB trade deadline Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale listed the Tigers as a team to watch as a seller at the 2026 MLB trade deadline. As of now, Detroit only sits 1.
5 games back of the final Wild Card spot and three behind the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central. There is plenty of time for the Tigers to turn their season around, but it is very notable that they are being labeled as potential sellers. In fact, this puts the focus on starting pitcher Tarik Skubal , who is expected to miss one to two months following elbow surgery to remove a loose body.
Skuabl is set to enter MLB free agency after the 2026 season. If Detroit truly becomes sellers and falls out of contention, it would make sense to trade the back-to-back Cy Young Award winner to maximize his value. If not, the Tigers would waste Skubal’s last season in Detroit and lose him for a draft pick.