Despite the Boston Red Sox's best efforts and early-season numbers, they didn't have enough experienced starting pitching depth to get them through even one round of the postseason. Their early dismissal has many reporters and fans placing top-tier starters high on the Sox's offseason wish list.
This year's class of free agent starters is relatively weak, with Michael King, Dylan Cease, Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez leading the charge as the best available. The Red Sox have recently been more willing to make big moves via the trade market and they've already been named a fit for some of the best talent insiders expect to be available, like Hunter Greene, Joe Ryan, Freddy Peralta and even reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, Tarik Skubal.
Many reporters believe the Detroit Tigers will make Skubal available on the trade market this winter to get a return for him before he's expected to hit free agency in 2027. This would serve the Tigers well, especially after the recent news of the insurmountable gap in extension talks between the parties.
Unfortunately, MLB insider Jeff Passan has broken the mold and shared that he believes the ace will remain in Detroit for at least one more season. In a free agency and trade rumor piece published by ESPN on November 5, Passan wrote: "...as of now, the industry expects Detroit to hold onto him, even with his free agency approaching after the 2026 season."
MLB insider Jeff Passan reports Tarik Skubal will likely remain with Tigers for 2026 season, killing chances of a Red Sox trade
Despite the seemingly minuscule odds of the Tigers extending Skubal, it does make sense for them to hold onto him for another year. Detroit has one of the best farm systems in MLB, and its top prospects aren't far from the big leagues. Keeping Skubal around for when top prospect Kevin McGonigle cracks the major league roster could be the Tigers' best chance in a while to make a long playoff run, especially if their spending habits continue.
Skubal has always been a longshot trade target for Boston (and any other team interested in acquiring him). The 28-year-old has been the best pitcher in the AL for at least two seasons, and he's a lock for his second-straight Cy Young Award — it could take four to five top prospects, and maybe even some major league talent, to entice the Tigers into a trade.
As unrealistic as it may be, the vision of Skubal and Garrett Crochet pitching back-to-back in the Red Sox's rotation is too good for some Sox fans to ignore. But if Passan's prediction is correct, Boston will have to wait until 2027 to pursue Skubal when he hits the free agent market, where he may well become the highest paid pitcher in MLB history.