Scott Harris: No Untouchables on Tigers Trade Market

The Detroit Tigers are at a crossroads. They’re trying to balance a flexible, analytics-driven front office with the urgency of maximizing a roster built around Cy Young-caliber lefty Tarik Skubal.

President of baseball operations Scott Harris doesn’t really believe in “untouchables.” Still, Detroit’s careful spending and high asking prices create this odd tension between ambition and caution as the franchise eyes its next real shot at contending.

Tigers Embrace Flexibility: No “Untouchables” in the Organization

Scott Harris keeps hammering home his roster-building approach: every player can be discussed in trade talks. That’s not to say everyone’s likely to be dealt, but the front office refuses to close the door on any move that could speed up the Tigers’ return to relevance.

In today’s MLB, where aggressive GMs chase every edge, Harris sees exploring all options as basic due diligence. It’s not about indecision or chaos.

What “No Untouchables” Really Means in Detroit

When Harris says he doesn’t believe in untouchables, it’s more philosophy than a trade block. Tarik Skubal is the lightning rod here because of his ace-level upside and all the trade buzz, but the message applies to everyone, top to bottom.

So what does this look like in practice?

Tarik Skubal: Trade Rumors vs. Real Value

Skubal’s name keeps popping up in trade rumors. He’s exactly the kind of frontline starter every contender wants.

But league chatter and industry reports say Skubal is highly unlikely to be moved. The Tigers’ asking price is sky-high, and honestly, that makes sense.

Why Skubal Is Central to the Tigers’ Competitive Window

Skubal isn’t just another starter; he’s the type of arm you build around. Detroit would only move him if someone absolutely blew them away with a franchise-changing package.

Some critics think the Tigers are wasting a narrow window by not pushing harder. But the front office seems convinced that rushing the process around one star pitcher could do more harm than good.

Balancing Pitching Upgrades and Offensive Growth

Harris and his staff are still searching for ways to boost both the rotation and bullpen. They’re also looking to lengthen the lineup.

The hard part? Doing all that without blocking or messing up the development of blue-chip prospects.

Names like Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark are crucial to Detroit’s future. The front office doesn’t want to make moves that could stunt their impact down the road.

Targets on the Market: Big Names, Bigger Questions

Detroit’s been linked—at least in rumors—to a handful of intriguing players, both in free agency and trade:

These names show the level of talent the Tigers are at least willing to consider. But so far, interest hasn’t turned into any blockbuster moves.

Cautious Spending and the Drew Anderson Addition

The most tangible move so far this offseason? Signing Drew Anderson to a one-year deal.

It’s not exactly the kind of move that electrifies a fan base or shifts a division race. But it fits the pattern under Harris: restraint in long-term commitments and a clear preference for short deals or targeted opportunities.

The Maeda and Flaherty Template

Since Harris took over, only Kenta Maeda and Jack Flaherty have landed multi-year contracts from Detroit. Compared to some teams, that’s pretty cautious.

Some fans see this as discipline—avoiding those payroll-killing deals. Others worry the Tigers might be playing it too safe while Skubal is in his prime and still affordable.

Will the Tigers Push Their Chips In?

Time still remains in the offseason. Another trade deadline is coming up, too.

The Tigers’ ultimate posture? Still anyone’s guess. They’ve shown they’ll listen to offers on anyone, but they haven’t made that bold, top-tier move that says, “We’re here. We’re serious.”

Here’s what stands out: Detroit is walking a tightrope between patience and opportunity. If Harris turns flexibility into well-timed, high-impact moves without gutting the future, the Tigers could finally become a sustainable force.

If not, they might watch their best window with Tarik Skubal slowly close—without ever really seeing how far they could’ve pushed it. That’d be a tough pill to swallow.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Scott Harris: No “Untouchables” On Tigers Roster