Tigers Weigh Tarik Skubal Trade as Aug. 3 MLB Deadline Approaches

The Detroit Tigers face a 6 p.m. ET deadline on Aug. 3 to decide the fate of Tarik Skubal while the Red Sox have already acquired Curtis Mead.

The 2026 MLB trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 3, with the Detroit Tigers weighing whether to move ace Tarik Skubal. Detroit enters the final week of July at six games under .500 and 3½ games behind the third American League wild-card spot. Despite their record, the Tigers have played well since the start of June, leading rival executives to remain uncertain if the club will sell. Skubal is considered the premier starting pitcher available in a market that also features Robbie Ray, Kevin Gausman, Freddy Peralta, and Clay Holmes. The Los Angeles Dodgers are viewed as the favorites to land Skubal due to a farm system deep in upper-level outfielders and young starting pitchers.

Roster Moves and Injury Impacts

The Boston Red Sox completed a trade on July 26, acquiring infielder Curtis Mead from the Washington Nationals in exchange for left-handed pitcher Connelly Early. Boston continues to search for a shortstop as Trevor Story recovers from injury and evaluators remain underwhelmed by Marcelo Mayer’s early-season play. The Nationals are listening to offers for CJ Abrams, while the Los Angeles Angels have not yet moved Zach Neto, who remains under team control for three additional seasons. In Cincinnati, Spencer Steer is headed to the injured list with a hand/wrist injury suffered during Sunday's game, complicating the Reds' plans for their seven pending free agents, including Brady Singer and Eugenio Suarez.

Bullpen Struggles and Relief Targets

The New York Yankees are open to trading reliever Camilo Doval, who has posted a 4.85 ERA across 63 appearances since being acquired from San Francisco. Doval’s cutter reaches 101 mph, yet left-handed hitters have produced a 1.018 OPS against him. The Yankees' relief hierarchy currently relies on David Bednar, Fernando Cruz, and Brent Headrick, with Clarke Schmidt expected to return from Tommy John surgery as a potential bullpen option. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners are seeking a high-leverage right-hander to replace the sidelined Matt Brash. Current Mariners reliever Eduard Bazardo has struggled in July with a 6.23 ERA and three home runs allowed, while hitters have maintained a .721 OPS against him this season.

National League Contenders and Sellers

The Chicago Cubs have dealt with 30 injured list stints this year, including 26 pitchers such as Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and Edward Cabrera. The Colorado Rockies, holding the worst record in MLB, have already traded Seth Halvorsen to the Dodgers for two minor leaguers. New Rockies leadership under Paul DePodesta and Josh Byrnes may move impending free agents Antonio Senzatela and Tomoyuki Sugano, along with catcher Hunter Goodman, a two-time All-Star. The Pittsburgh Pirates are also expected to be aggressive, potentially targeting Mason Miller if the San Diego Padres decide to sell. San Diego sits two games below .500 and three games back of a wild-card berth as a franchise sale to Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones awaits a formal vote.

American League West Outlook

The Texas Rangers entered Sunday with a bullpen ERA of 4.21, ranking 19th in the majors. While Jacob Latz earned an All-Star nod as a closer, the team is looking for depth while shortstop Corey Seager remains out with a back injury. The Rangers are unlikely to increase payroll in any acquisition. In the same division, the Seattle Mariners are awaiting the return of Brendan Donovan, who has struggled on his rehab assignment, going 2-for-31 with 10 strikeouts and one walk. The Chicago White Sox are prioritizing pitching additions to a rotation that currently features Erick Fedde and rookie Noah Schultz.