CC Sabathia: Detroit Tigers “have to trade” Tarik Skubal at deadline

Tigers ace Tarik Skubal looms as arguably the biggest domino to fall as the 2026 MLB trade deadline nears. With arguments for and against Detroit moving the star 29-year-old, Hall of Famer CC Sabathia is clear on what he believes needs to happen on the latest episode of MLB According to CC.

[The Tigers] have to trade Tarik Skubal ... If they don’t, that sets them back in that division maybe five or six years.

CC Sabathia

As the Tigers (51-58) fade in the AL Central and Wild Card races, Sabathia believes now is the ideal time for Detroit to acquire “all the pieces” it needs to replenish its farm system and MLB roster. A potential deal for Skubal could see the Tigers “run through” a team’s farm, with multiple top prospects and MLB-ready talent likely coming back to Detroit in any deal for the two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner.

01:15

What will Tigers do with Skubal at trade deadline?

Bob Costas and CC Sabathia weigh the Detroit Tigers’ options at the trade deadline in a wide-open American League as their ace Tarik Skubal approaches free agency.

That’s why Sabathia is adamant about the rare opportunity Detroit has in front of it, saying it “makes no sense” to keep Skubal when the chance to re-tool on the fly is on the table.

In what could have been his final start for the Tigers on Wednesday, Skubal allowed three earned runs and struck out six across 6.2 innings against the Orioles. Will this truly be his last appearance with Detroit?

We have until 6p ET on Monday, Aug. 3 to find out.

01:51

How MLB players handle deadline pressure, rumors

With the 2026 MLB trade deadline looming, CC Sabathia offers perspective on what it’s like to handle rumors and uncertainty as a player when everything feels like it’s “up in the air.”

New episodes with CC and Ahmed Fareed drop every Wednesday on Peacock, NBC Sports NOW, NBCSN, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.