New trade development between Blue Jays and Tigers for Tarik Skubal

Buster Olney said there's been «even more activity» around Skubal as teams prepare for possible trades.

That matches the vibe around the league right now, because the Tigers are suddenly carrying a megaphone-sized storyline.

The story starts with the numbers, and they are wild. Skubal filed at $32 million for 2026 while Detroit countered at $19 million, a gap that screams discomfort on both sides.

Even if they settle before a hearing, the process can leave bruises. Detroit has long leaned into a file-and-trial approach, and that kind of standoff can make a long-term future feel colder.

This is why a trade still feels like it stays on the table, even if the Tigers don't want to admit it. Skubal is a two-time defending AL Cy Young winner, and he's also inching toward free agency, which is when these decisions get ruthless.

For Toronto, the fit is almost too clean. The Blue Jays just won 94 games and pushed all the way to the World Series, so adding a true ace is the kind of move that can turn a great team into a favorite.

The cost is the part that makes everyone swallow hard. If the Tigers actually engage, they're going to ask for at least one premium young hitter, one premium young arm, and probably something MLB-ready on top.

Skubal would give Toronto a lefty with top-of-the-rotation swagger, the kind that changes how a series lines up and how a bullpen gets used.

In October, that trickles into every decision, from rest days to matchups.

My take is the Blue Jays should absolutely call, then stay disciplined. If Detroit's price turns into multiple cornerstone prospects plus a controllable big leaguer, it can backfire fast, even for a team chasing banners.

Next is to watch whether Detroit lets this arbitration standoff fester, because that's usually when «rumor» turns into «real phone calls.»