Tenacious D

Way more than I would have thought. That’s a good thing—must have been a market for him.

Who said he has to be dealt for minor leaguers?

I think it’s the opposite. Would take balls to trade him—he will instantly piss off all Tigers fans.

The other thing is that we really don’t know what a return could be for Skubal. All speculation has come from podcasts and industry insiders. They might be much more bullish than what teams will be willing to surrender.

I guess I don't see trading Skubal as a surrender for '26. There are only two elite pitchers in MLB--him and Skenes. Other teams learn to win without generational talent (which there are currently few--maybe add Ohtani and Judge to that group). Depending on who we would get in return, along with other moves, we might end up with a very competitive and sustainable team. For example, if the Tigers (hypothetically) made the Jim Bowden proposed trade, we could end up with Tyler Glasnow and Emmet Sheehan for the rotation. And potentially sign one of the free agent starters (i.e., King, Valdez, Suarez, etc...). Are we really worse off than if we just had Skubal in '26? Each of the replacement pitchers would be controllable for the next 3-5 seasons. I'm not necessarily advocating trading Skubal, but I also don't think it has to be a setback for '26 and might be more advantageous beyond that.

Do they publish who were on the veterans committee voting?

Finally, we agree. I think the only outlier to this are the Mets who seem willing to act a bit more impulsively and take risks. But I don’t think Harris wants to trade Skubal.

Respectfully disagree—they need to go out and get a much better starter to slot in behind Skubal. After next season, each of Skubal, Mize and Flaherty can walk. I really hope we’re not trying to plug 2-3 critical spots in the rotation in one offseason next winter.

Which side of the argument are you on? Trading Skubal vs losing him via the free agency process is potentially more damaging to the Tigers reputation. (though I still maintain that neither would have much impact on other players consideration).

Nope. Might become a better hitter over time, but will never reach him defensively.

What if Skubal chooses to leave? He’s not under any obligation to stay. Did it prevent either San Diego or NY to appeal to other free agents when they both let Juan Soto leave? And teams have tanked numerous times to stockpile young talent. Houston did this famously and subsequently become a playoff team. Players will go where they can get the most lucrative deal for them. Not every player can go to the NY teams, Dodgers or Cubs. Thank God for roster limits. Eventually some players will have to consider other markets. The Tigers have a very compelling case to make to appeal to free agents.

You know this is ridiculous, right? That an agent would steer a player away from an up and coming team because Skubal chose to play elsewhere? How did we ever sign a free agent prior to drafting Tarik?

I like Finnegan, but not as a closer. Give him the 7th, Vest the 8th and a real closer for the 9th. 2 years/$15M is probably his ceiling.

If we’re gonna write a big check for a closer, I’d prefer a K artist like Diaz.

Interestingly, BA had a podcast where they listed the top 40 “dynasty” second baseman, which blended MLB and minors. Jazz Chisholm was #1. However, McGonigle was #2, which they acknowledged was unusual for a minors guys to be that high, but they were very bullish on his bat and projection.

I think the only bat will be an OF, if at all. Unless they try and trade Tork, opening 1B for Keith.

I can verify this. The bot’s name is Petzold

Impressively avoided both quality and quantity. I miss him.

No proof of this. Both teams built through the draft and have spent to supplement with free agents. NHL is trickier with the salary cap.

Flaherty and Torres are both on one year deals—no bearing on signing Skubal after this season. I doubt it will get in the way of signing another starting pitcher and bullpen help.

In his defense, he has had a lot of extra time the last few years to spend it.

Are we really complaining about the rookie that scored today?

Can’t see how they can turn this season around. Still a good young core that can be very good next year with a more favorable schedule. Lions in ‘27!

Will only make this win that much sweeter.

Why did Branch give up on that play?