MLB trade rumors: Tarik Skubal trade talk sparks fresh San Diego Padres debate with insider making bold call

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has not been traded, and there is no indication that a deal is close. Still, the rumors are already picking up speed. The biggest reason is Detroit’s position in the standings and Skubal’s future with the team. While the star left-hander continues to recover from an elbow injury, ESPN insider Buster Olney believes the San Diego Padres could be the team to watch if the Tigers decide to move him before the trade deadline.During an ESPN podcast appearance, Olney said the Padres are his “early favorite” to land Skubal. He pointed to San Diego president of baseball operations AJ Preller’s aggressive approach and the team’s desire to build a roster capable of winning the World Series.If the Detroit Tigers decide to trade Tarik Skubal, they would likely ask for a massive return. Skubal is one of baseball’s best pitchers and remains under team control through the 2026 season. Because of that, Detroit would likely seek multiple top prospects, young major league-ready players, and possibly future draft-related assets.The Padres have one of the deeper farm systems in baseball, which could help them put together a competitive package if trade talks ever become serious.

Which teams are interested in Tarik Skubal?

Right now, the Padres are the team getting the most attention after Olney’s comments. The fit makes sense. San Diego has remained in the playoff race but could use another frontline starter to strengthen its rotation for a postseason run. Adding a pitcher like Skubal would give the Padres another elite arm alongside their current group.Other contenders could also enter the conversation if Detroit officially makes him available, but no other specific teams have been strongly linked at this stage.

What insiders are saying about the trade rumors?

The latest buzz comes directly from ESPN insider Buster Olney.“I think San Diego is going to get him,” Olney said on an ESPN podcast.“… They need a starting pitcher. We know AJ Preller, and I say this respectfully, he’s a little crazy at this time of year. He makes deals to win the World Series… They make deals to try to win. Skubal would be a fit… My early favorite, the San Diego Padres.”As of now, neither the Tigers nor the Padres have publicly commented on the speculation.

Contract details and future implications

Tarik Skubal is expected to become a free agent after the 2026 MLB season. That timeline could play a major role in Detroit’s decision-making. If the Tigers believe they are not close to competing, trading Skubal before losing him in free agency could bring valuable young talent back to the organization. For San Diego, acquiring Skubal would mean adding a proven ace during a crucial playoff push.At the moment, this remains speculation rather than active trade negotiations.The biggest factor is Detroit’s performance. If the Tigers improve and climb back into contention, they may choose to keep their star pitcher. If they continue to struggle, trade discussions around Tarik Skubal are likely to become one of the biggest stories before the MLB trade deadline.