The 2026 season hasn't gone according to plan for the Detroit Tigers. With a mediocre 18-22 record, the team is facing plenty of challenges, including a slew of key players—headlined by ace Tarik Skubal—on the injured list. But here's the thing: the AL Central is wide open, and the Tigers are just 2.5 games out of first place. That means a turnaround is still within reach, even if things look shaky right now.

If the season does unravel further, trade rumors will naturally swirl. But according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Skubal is not a likely trade candidate this year—even if Detroit falls out of postseason contention. Why would the Tigers hold onto their star pitcher when they could cash in for future assets? It comes down to value and timing.

Nightengale notes that for the Tigers to get the return they'd want, Skubal would need to look like his pre-surgery self—or at least be back on the mound and pitching effectively. If he's struggling to regain his form after surgery, interested teams won't offer a premium package. And Detroit isn't about to part with a two-time Cy Young winner for anything less than a king's ransom.

There's also the division factor. Even without Skubal, the Tigers are hanging around in a weak AL Central. Once he returns—assuming he's back to his elite self by July—it's hard to imagine Detroit being completely out of the race at the trade deadline. That alone makes a deal unlikely.

So what does this mean for Tigers fans? For now, Skubal's future in Detroit looks secure. The team is banking on a rebound, both from their ace and from the roster as a whole. If things click, they could be a surprise contender. If not, they'll hold onto their star until his value is undeniable. Either way, Skubal isn't going anywhere anytime soon.