In the midst of trade deadline discussions, the Detroit Tigers find themselves at a crossroads with pitcher Tarik Skubal. The 27-year-old left-hander has emerged as a prime trade target for teams in need of rotation help, including the Orioles, Dodgers, Guardians, Astros, and Padres. However, the Tigers must weigh the potential benefits against the risk of losing a promising talent.

After enduring seven consecutive losing seasons, the Tigers are finally showing signs of progress. They have recently secured 11 victories in their last 14 games, and their young hitters such as Colt Keith and Justyn-Henry Malloy are maturing. Considering these positive developments, the decision to trade Skubal, who is seen as a leading Cy Young contender and is under club control for two more seasons, becomes increasingly difficult.

The primary concern for the Tigers would be Skubal's injury history. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2017 and flexor tendon surgery in August 2022, which sidelined him for a significant period. Trading him for top position-player prospects could mitigate the risk of future injuries, but it begs the question of whether it's worth sacrificing a pitcher of Skubal's caliber.

While the Tigers have not been major spenders in recent years, they are not a low-revenue team either. During the tenure of late owner Mike Ilitch from 2012 to 2017, they consistently carried top-five payrolls. Although they started this season with a relatively low-ranked payroll, there are indications that they may be ready to increase their spending once again.

Skubal, represented by agent Scott Boras, is unlikely to agree to a contract extension, making his future with the Tigers uncertain. However, the team competes in the AL Central, a division that is gradually improving but still relatively weak. With Skubal in their rotation, the Tigers have a genuine chance of returning to the postseason before he becomes a free agent. Without him, they risk remaining trapped in the cycle of mediocrity that has plagued them for nearly a decade.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Tigers will likely receive calls from interested parties, and they have a responsibility to listen and explore all possibilities. However, the decision to part ways with Skubal should not be taken lightly. It involves not only his potential value in a trade but also the team's trajectory and their aspirations for future success.

Only time will tell what the Tigers ultimately decide to do with Skubal. Will they prioritize long-term stability or take a gamble on their current momentum? One thing is certain – the next few days leading up to the trade deadline will be crucial for the Tigers as they weigh the pros and cons of potentially parting ways with one of their most promising assets.