The Tigers' ace pitcher, Tarik Skubal, is a free agent and a potential trade target for several teams. However, there's a compelling argument that the Tigers might not be ready to trade him just yet. While Skubal's return from injury has been impressive, the team's recent performance in June suggests a turnaround that could be more than just a temporary spike.
The Tigers have quietly improved their record in June, going 11-6 with the third-best record in the Majors and the best in the AL. Their pitching staff has an impressive ERA of 3.12, and their lineup has hit the second-most homers in the league. Even their defense has shown a significant improvement, rising from 27th to 11th in the league.
This turnaround is particularly notable given the team's struggles in May, where they had one of their weakest single-month performances in the 21st century. The bullpen has been a key factor, cutting its ERA from 4.39 in April to 2.59 in June, and the pitching staff as a whole has reduced its walk rate.
The Tigers' playoff odds have improved significantly, from 10% at the end of May to 22% as of Monday morning. They are now just five games out of a Wild Card spot and 7.5 games out of first in the AL Central, a division that is projected to be won with an 82-80 record.
The author argues that the Tigers' recent success is not solely due to Skubal's return, as he has only started two games and the team has won just one of them. Instead, it's the bullpen's improvement and the overall pitching staff's performance that have been crucial.
The Yankees, a potential trade partner for Skubal, could face a challenge in assessing the team's true strength. The author suggests that the Yankees' ability to hit Skubal and his teammates will be a crucial factor in determining whether they can trade for him. If the Yankees can't hit Skubal, they might not have a chance to trade for him.
In conclusion, the Tigers' recent performance in June and their improved playoff odds suggest that the team is on the right track. While Skubal's return has been impressive, the team's overall improvement and the bullpen's strong performance make it less likely that they will be traded soon. The author speculates that the Yankees' ability to hit Skubal will be a key factor in determining whether a trade is feasible.
