US media reports that the Tigers are intrigued by the Dodgers' offer, making a trade involving Skubal a real possibility.

With just a year remaining on his contract, Detroit Tigers' top left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal is at the center of trade speculation this offseason. Latest reports indicate the Tigers have shown “interest” in a trade offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers. If both sides proceed, Dodgers’ right-handed starter Tyler Glasnow is expected to be a crucial part of the deal.

According to USA Today reporter Bob Nightengale, the Tigers have actively and seriously engaged in trade talks regarding Skubal, while the Dodgers have presented a package including several top prospects, successfully capturing Detroit’s interest. Although a deal is not yet close, this demonstrates that the Tigers’ approach toward trading Skubal is more than just exploratory.

As reported by New York Post analyst Jon Heyman, the Tigers previously offered a four-year, $80 million contract extension, but it fell short of Skubal’s camp’s expectations by approximately $250 million. This nearly confirms that Detroit has no chance of competing for him on the free-agent market. Therefore, the key question becomes when the Tigers will trade Skubal, who has one year left on his contract, to maximize their return.

KTLA sports anchor David Pingalore pointed out that the Dodgers would be the biggest winners in this deal. The Skubal trade is essentially agreed upon, with only details of the long-term contract and approval from the Tigers’ ownership pending. The two sides are just one final hurdle away from completing the trade.

During this year’s MLB Winter Meetings, the Tigers and Dodgers did have contact regarding Skubal. Considering the Dodgers’ deep pitching staff and strong farm system, they are among the few teams capable of offering a substantial package that could convince Detroit to say yes.

ESPN reporter Alden Gonzalez noted that Glasnow’s name has come up in related discussions. Glasnow’s combined salary over the next two years is about $60 million, with a team or player option in 2028. Despite his high price tag, his pitching ability still excites many front offices. Gonzalez believes Glasnow might be included in the Dodgers’ package for Skubal, though the likelihood is “low” but “not impossible.”

If the trade goes through, the back-to-back champion Dodgers would add one of the league’s elite left-handers. At that point, talk of a “Cosmic Dodgers” or “Baseball Destroyers” would surely intensify. From the Tigers’ perspective, if the return from the trade lays a foundation for years to come, letting go of Skubal could be a viable option.