Tigers' Scott Harris Defends Skubal Deal, Calls Bidding War Criticism Baseless

Detroit's president of baseball operations, Scott Harris, pushed back against criticism that the Tigers did not generate sufficient competition before dealing pitcher Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He asserted that the organization fielded multiple bids, pressured clubs to enhance their proposals, and heard clear signals of interest from rivals. Harris dismissed the idea of a lackluster market as "garbage" and said the Tigers received each team's best offer before urging them to stretch further.

The Dodgers' package—Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith—was ultimately selected after a difficult and not unanimous discussion among front-office members. Harris also argued that extending the deadline would not have forced teams to improve their offers, as the market had already presented its strongest terms. He concluded that Detroit tested the market thoroughly and secured what he believes was the most valuable return for the organization.