There's a chance, albeit a slim one, that Tarik Skubal made his final start for the Tigers in the club's 7-2 win over the Twins on Saturday night. He was typically dominant, which is why his name has surfaced in rumors ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. That, and the fact that it's not entirely clear when the Tigers intend to contend under Scott Harris.
Skubal, for his part, wants to be here when that time comes.
"I've always been told the playoffs here are about as electric as they get anywhere, for any team. That's the goal," Skubal told reporters after his latest stellar outing. "That's where you want to play. I'm sure in the playoffs it will be even more loud and chaotic. That's something I look forward to doing."
The atmosphere Saturday night offered Skubal a taste of the dish he craves. One of the biggest crowds of the year at Comerica Park watched the Tigers rally to beat their AL Central rivals as Skubal picked up his 12th win and left with an ERA of 2.35, both tops in the American League.
When it comes to Skubal's future, the ball is not in his hands. Much as he professes faith in what the Tigers are building, and much as Harris would like Skubal to lead Detroit's rotation for several more years to come, it's Harris' job to entertain offers for one of the most valuable assets in baseball. If Skubal can land the Tigers a franchise-changing package of position players from a team like the Orioles, Harris might have no choice but to accept.
"If I was on a different team, I'd want him, too," said A.J. Hinch. "Who doesn't want Tarik Skubal on their mound? He'd increase the winning for every single team, 30 out of 30. So no, I'm not dumbfounded (by the rumors). I think it's flattering. But that has nothing to do with what the Tigers want or what I want or what we want. It's the nature of the sport this time of year, where the best players in the league get talked about. And Tarik is one of the best pitchers in the league."
"You just try to not really look into it," Skubal said. "It shouldn't impact how you go about your business. It's part of the game. Those decisions are very much out of my control, so that's how I view it."
Skubal is in his fifth season with the Tigers, who drafted him in 2018. He's known nothing but losing in Detroit, despite the growing number of wins on his resume. He's under team control for two more seasons after this one, bringing the Tigers' competitive window into question. Earlier this month, Skubal spoke about the team's "good young core" and said, "I'm excited for this team and for this organization."
Asked Saturday if he wants to be here for the long haul, he said, "I'm just focused on today and I'll be focused on tomorrow, tomorrow. I think that's when I'm at my best, is be where my feet are."
The Tigers have played better baseball of late, propelled by some emerging young hitters. It fuels hope that they can push for a playoff spot next season, with Skubal as the engine. Their nine-year postseason drought is tied for the longest in the majors. It will end eventually. Whether Skubal will be here for that remains to be seen.
"I love what we're building here," said Hinch, "but I want to stop talking about building. I want to win every game. What we're witnessing with Tarik is just scratching the surface of what he can do."
The Tigers hope he keeps doing it in Detroit.
