Former Tigers ace Tarik Skubal says he would 'love to return'

Key Points:

• The Detroit Tigers traded pitcher Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 1, but Skubal expressed a strong desire to return to Detroit in the future, hoping negotiations might resume after the playoffs in November.
• Skubal cited his positive feelings toward Detroit and his teammates, revealing he was emotional leaving the team and city, indicating a deep connection despite the trade.
• While the Tigers have not publicly committed to offering Skubal a major contract, he is expected to be a highly sought-after free agent in 2027, with multiple big-market teams, including the Dodgers, likely to compete for his services.
• There is precedent for the Tigers re-signing players they previously traded, as seen with Jack Flaherty, who returned to Detroit after winning a World Series with the Dodgers, suggesting a potential pathway for Skubal’s return.
• Since joining the Dodgers, Skubal has struggled slightly, losing his first start on August 4, while the Dodgers face a six-game losing streak, contrasting with the Tigers’ recent surge back into wild card contention.