The rumor that the Chicago Cubs are targeting Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal for a potential $400 million commitment is currently the hottest story in baseball, framed as a “blockbuster” trade that would instantly vault the Cubs into legitimate World Series contention.
While the $400 million figure represents the projected cost of a long-term extension (which would make him the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history), the immediate need is completing the trade, as Skubal only has one year of club control remaining with the Tigers.
The Trade Landscape
Tarik Skubal is arguably the best pitcher in the world right now, coming off a remarkable 2025 season:
| Tarik Skubal 2025 Season Stats | Value | Note |
| Record | 13–6 | |
| ERA | 2.21 | |
| Strikeouts (K) | 241 | In 195 innings pitched. |
| Awards | Back-to-Back AL Cy Young | First pitcher to do so since Jacob deGrom (2018–2019). |
The trade, which analysts have heavily predicted, hinges on the Tigers’ reluctance to pay the massive contract Skubal is expected to command in free agency after the 2026 season.
The Hypothetical Cubs Trade Package
To acquire Skubal, the Cubs would have to “gut their system,” parting with a massive haul of top prospects. The common proposed package includes:
| Cubs Receive | Tigers Receive | Rationale |
| LHP Tarik Skubal | C Moises Ballesteros (No. 2 Prospect) | Elite catching prospect that can be an immediate future centerpiece. |
| RHP Jaxon Wiggins (No. 3 Prospect) | Adds a high-upside arm that the Tigers desperately need. | |
| OF Kevin Alcántara (No. 5 Prospect) | Provides another high-upside outfielder to replenish the system. | |
| RHP Javier Assad (Major League Arm) | Offers immediate, low-cost pitching depth for the 2026 rotation. |
The Impact on the MLB Landscape
If the deal goes through, the Cubs would become an immediate threat and fundamentally shift the balance of power in the NL Central:
- The New Ace Duo: Skubal would instantly pair with breakout rookie Cade Horton (NL ROY Runner-Up) to form one of the most devastating 1-2 punches in the National League.
- Addressing the “Superstar Void”: With Kyle Tucker reportedly leaving the Cubs for free agency this offseason, Skubal would immediately become the new headline star and face of the franchise.
- World Series Challenge: The move would signal a clear, all-in push for a World Series title, sacrificing long-term farm depth for immediate, elite performance.
However, there is a counter-rumor: Skubal recently posted a cryptic social media message implying he is not on the trade block. Still, the immense trade package and the possibility of a $400 million extension makes this the most captivating rumor of the offseason.
