Tigers president Scott Harris pushed back against criticism over the timing of the Tarik Skubal trade, rejecting the notion that Detroit should have held out until the deadline for a better return. Harris was direct about it. Top-tier players don't work that way on the market. When a franchise ace becomes available, contenders move fast. Waiting typically doesn't net you more.
The comment reflects Harris's confidence in whatever package Detroit received for Skubal, a legitimate ace who figures to anchor a contending rotation immediately. The Tigers dealt from a position of weakness, not strength. They weren't in the playoff hunt. Skubal had years of control remaining, which gave other teams incentive to strike sooner rather than later. Holding firm hoping for a better offer by late July risked a bidding war that never materializes. Harris understands this calculus better than the fan base second-guessing the move. The trade happened when it happened because that's when real value materialized.