It's been a long season of Tarik Skubal trade rumors, and frankly, we're getting a bit exhausted. But here we go again—another MLB executive has thrown the Tigers' ace into the trade deadline conversation.

Let's set the scene. The Detroit Tigers sit at 16-17 through the first 33 games. On the surface, that's a losing record. But in the weaker AL Central, they're just one game back of the division lead. That's the kind of context that makes these trade predictions feel both premature and persistent.

In MLB.com's Mark Feinsand's annual poll of 20 front-office executives, one executive predicted Skubal would be the biggest name moved by the August 3 Trade Deadline. Yes, just one vote—but it's enough to keep the rumor mill churning.

Let's be real: the Tigers would command a king's ransom for their back-to-back Cy Young winner. And while no trade is ever truly off the table, especially if things go south, it would take a monumental collapse for Detroit to part with their ace. Skubal is that good—and that valuable.

Through seven starts this season, he's posted a sparkling 2.70 ERA, 45 strikeouts, a 1.5 bWAR, and a jaw-dropping 161 ERA+. Numbers like that don't just make you a trade chip; they make you the cornerstone of a franchise. Every buyer at the deadline would line up for him if he became available.

The offseason was already dominated by Skubal trade chatter, with Detroit seemingly committed to going all-in for 2026. That commitment makes a mid-season trade unlikely—unless the wheels completely fall off. But for now, the Tigers are hanging around, and Skubal is staying put.

So, Tigers fans, take a deep breath. The trade predictions will keep coming, but for now, your ace isn't going anywhere.