Giants eye ace Tarik Skubal, signaling aggressive win-now plans. Will prospects and innovative leadership land Detroit's top pitcher?
The San Francisco Giants may become one of the most interesting teams to watch this offseason as they are exploring a potential trade for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The left-hander, one of baseball’s top pitchers, is expected to become a free agent after the 2026 season and is widely believed not to re-sign with Detroit. That uncertainty could lead the Tigers to look for trade options this winter, with the Giants emerging as a possible dark-horse suitor.
A package from San Francisco might include pitching prospects like Carson Whisenhunt, Hayden Birdsong, and Landen Roupp, providing the Tigers with valuable depth even if it doesn’t include top-tier star prospects. The Giants’ farm system isn’t filled with elite talent, but under Buster Posey’s leadership, the front office has shown they’re willing to be aggressive and innovative in making impactful moves.
That aggressive approach was clear earlier this year when Posey orchestrated a blockbuster trade for Rafael Devers, who is under contract at least through the 2033 season, demonstrating that the franchise has no plans for a long rebuild. The Giants have reinforced this by signing several core players to long-term deals, including Matt Chapman, who extended his contract, and Willy Adames, who joined last offseason on a significant deal. With homegrown ace Logan Webb also under a major contract, it’s obvious that San Francisco is built to compete now, not years down the road.
The Giants also made a surprising managerial hire, bringing in Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello to lead the team. Known for his energy, leadership, and player development skills, Vitello is a bold choice aligned with the team’s new direction, which emphasizes accountability, intensity, and immediate results.
Adding Tarik Skubal would fit that mold perfectly. He would join a rotation already led by Webb, giving the Giants one of the stronger one-two punches in the National League. While they might not have the top prospects of other suitors, San Francisco’s aggressive stance and focus on winning now make them a legitimate and potentially overlooked contender in the race for Skubal’s services.
If Detroit decides to move its ace, the Giants could once again surprise the baseball world with another bold move that sends a clear message: they’re finished waiting.