🚨 NEW PROPOSAL SHAKES UP THE TRADE MARKET: Chicago Cubs Eyeing Tarik Skubal in Major Deal to Boost Their Starting Rotation, But Tigers Have Conditions! 👇

The baseball world is buzzing with a new trade proposal that could dramatically shift the landscape for both the Chicago Cubs and the Detroit Tigers. The Cubs, after an impressive offseason, are reportedly looking to make a blockbuster move that could address a glaring weakness in their starting rotation—bringing in the electric left-handed pitcher, Tarik Skubal.

According to a recent report by Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer, the Cubs are reportedly offering a trade package centered around their highly touted infield prospect, Matt Shaw, in exchange for the Tigers’ star pitcher. The proposed deal is as follows: the Chicago Cubs would acquire LHP Tarik Skubal, while the Detroit Tigers would receive INF Matt Shaw, RHP Jaxon Wiggins, and OF Ethan Conrad.

Let’s break down what each team stands to gain from this potential trade and why it could be a game-changer for the Cubs, who are determined to solidify their position as true contenders in the National League.

Cubs Looking to Take Their Game to the Next Level

The Chicago Cubs have already had a stellar offseason, securing key players and shoring up their roster. But despite their improvements, many experts believe they still lack that dominant ace who can lead their pitching staff in the postseason.

In 2025, the Cubs’ pitching staff struggled to rack up strikeouts, averaging just 7.5 strikeouts per nine innings. As we all know, in today’s MLB, having a strikeout artist at the top of the rotation is crucial, especially when it comes to playoff contention. That’s where Tarik Skubal comes in.

Skubal, who had an extraordinary 2025 season, leading the league in strikeouts, could be the missing piece the Cubs need. Not only does he bring elite strikeout potential, but he also has the ability to step into the role of No. 1 starter—a position that is still open in Chicago’s rotation.

In Rymer’s analysis, he pointed out that while the Cubs are already in a great position to dominate the NL Central, they still need that elite starter to compete with the heavyweights like the Los Angeles Dodgers. If Skubal were to join the Cubs, he would immediately become their ace, giving the Cubs a legitimate shot at a deep postseason run. Imagine Skubal taking the mound as the Game 1 starter in October—his dominance could elevate the Cubs’ entire pitching staff and make them a dangerous force.

Why the Tigers Would Be Interested

On the flip side, the Detroit Tigers would gain a promising package in exchange for their prized pitcher. Matt Shaw, while currently out of a starting job in Chicago following the signing of Alex Bregman, would be a valuable addition to the Tigers’ lineup. Shaw, known for his stellar defensive play, also showed his offensive potential by posting an impressive .839 OPS in the second half of the 2025 season.

Additionally, Jaxon Wiggins, who is ranked as the No. 58 overall MLB prospect, brings a 100 mph fastball to the table, making him a near-MLB-ready starter who could bolster the Tigers’ rotation. Ethan Conrad, the Cubs’ No. 17 pick in last year’s draft, may have faced some injury concerns, but he still holds professional potential and could be an exciting addition to Detroit’s future plans.

In short, the Tigers would be getting a strong mix of young talent and prospects who could make an immediate impact. Shaw’s defensive prowess, Wiggins’ high-velocity fastball, and Conrad’s upside make this a tempting package for Detroit, especially as they look to build for the future.

But There’s a Catch: Would the Tigers Let Skubal Go?

While this trade proposal seems like a win-win for both teams, there’s one major sticking point—would the Detroit Tigers actually trade away Tarik Skubal?

As Rymer notes, the Tigers would be hard-pressed to move their ace without receiving an established arm in return. Skubal is not only a dominant force on the mound, but he also represents a key piece of Detroit’s future. Trading him would leave a major hole in their rotation, and the Tigers would need a proven major league pitcher to fill that void.

The Tigers’ current position in the league also plays a factor. If they are looking to make a push for contention in the near future, they may not want to part with Skubal unless they can secure a reliable starting pitcher who can contribute immediately. While the package from the Cubs offers promising prospects, it may not be enough to sway the Tigers into making a deal without some added assurance that their rotation won’t suffer as a result.

Cubs’ Ambition to Compete at the Highest Level

For the Cubs, the allure of adding Skubal to their rotation is undeniable. The team’s front office has been aggressive in its quest to build a championship-caliber squad, and adding a pitcher like Skubal would give them the edge they need to take on the league’s elite teams.

In recent years, the Cubs have shown promise, but their pitching staff has been a consistent weakness. With Skubal leading the charge, the Cubs could transform their rotation into one of the most feared in the National League.

Moreover, Skubal’s ability to dominate hitters with strikeouts would be an invaluable asset in the postseason, where pitching often determines the outcome of games. If the Cubs manage to pull off this trade, they could find themselves in a position to not only win the NL Central but also make a deep playoff run.

Conclusion: Will This Trade Go Through?

While the proposed trade for Tarik Skubal could be a game-changer for the Cubs, there are still many hurdles to overcome. The Detroit Tigers have a lot to consider, especially when it comes to replacing a key player like Skubal in their rotation.

For Cubs fans, the prospect of adding Skubal to their pitching staff is an exciting one, but it’s clear that the Tigers will need to be convinced that the trade benefits them in the long term.

As the trade market continues to heat up, the Cubs may need to make an even bolder offer if they want to land their ace.

The clock is ticking, and with spring training on the horizon, the Cubs’ pursuit of Skubal will surely be one of the most intriguing storylines to follow in the coming weeks. Will they get their man, or will Detroit stand firm and hold onto their star pitcher?

Stay tuned, because this trade saga is far from over, and anything could happen before the season kicks off. Keep an eye on the Cubs as they try to make their move to solidify their pitching staff for a playoff run that could shake up the NL!