During a recent appearance at the winter meetings in Orlando, Florida, Scott Harris, the president of baseball operations for the Detroit Tigers, discussed the status of star pitcher Tarik Skubal, emphasizing that no player is “untouchable” when it comes to trade discussions.
Addressing this notion, Harris explained, “I don’t believe in untouchable players at any level. It’s not a commentary on Tarik; it’s more of a blanket approach to building a winning organization. My job is to make this organization better … which means that I need to listen to every opportunity, no matter how likely or unlikely it is to actually happen.” He highlighted the need for a flexible approach that would allow the Tigers to improve their roster.
Moving forward, the status of Skubal becomes a focal point, as he has one season left before hitting free agency. Given that his agent is the well-known Scott Boras, who typically does not facilitate contract extensions close to free agency, trade options might be considered if a new contract cannot be reached. However, Harris was careful not to speculate further on trade scenarios, stating, “I can’t, and I won’t, speculate on trades for our own players. It’s just not fair to the players. It’s not fair to the other teams.”
The unwavering dedication to team unity was evident when Harris emphasized the contributions of all players on the roster. He acknowledged the hard work put in by every team member, noting, “It’s going to take all of us, it’s going to take every little thing, to get to the postseason.” Harris reiterated his commitment to retaining Skubal for the time being, pointing out, “Listen, Tarik’s a Tiger right now. We’re thrilled he’s a Tiger … He’s a huge part of what we’re doing right now.”
Skubal’s performance on the mound has solidified his standing in baseball lore. He became the first pitcher since Jacob deGrom to win back-to-back Cy Young Awards, and the first in the American League since Pedro Martinez. His 2023 season statistics included a 13-6 record with a remarkable 2.21 ERA and a staggering 241 strikeouts over 195⅓ innings. Additionally, he led the AL in multiple categories, including strikeouts per nine innings and ERA.
His impressive pitching arsenal includes a fastball averaging nearly 98 mph and a changeup that has proven challenging for hitters, holding them to a mere .154 batting average. Skubal notably delivered 12 scoreless outings this past season, a record for the Tigers and a feat not matched in Major League Baseball since 2014.
Reflecting on the potential of the team moving forward, Harris expressed confidence in not only Skubal but also the wealth of talent within the organization. “I think we have a really good team that we’re going to put on the field — and I think Tarik is a big part of that — but there are a lot of really talented players in this organization and in the big leagues that are helping us win a lot,” he remarked.
As the Tigers navigate these discussions, the balance between retaining star players and exploring trade opportunities continues to be a crucial consideration for the franchise’s future success.
