Is Tarik Skubal worth $425 million? Early trade deadline needs for Detroit Tigers to win it all

The Detroit Tigers had a 3-3 record this past week, going 2-1 against the Baltimore Orioles and 1-2 against the Cincinnati Reds. But the Tigers still have a 46-27 record — best in the American League Central by nine games, best in the AL by 2.5 games and best in MLB by 0.5 games. Tigers ace Tarik Skubal appeared on the Barstool podcast, "Pardon My Take," and said he would sign for 10 years, $425 million when he becomes a free agent after the 2026 season. Is he worth that contract? Also: We explain why Skubal's status with the Tigers is ultimately up to owner Christopher Ilitch. As for the team, the Tigers have a 17-12 record in the last 30 days, since May 16. The offense ranks 20th in MLB a 96 wRC+, the starting rotation ranks first with a 2.53 ERA and the bullpen ranks 25th with a 4.68 ERA. What problems are just part of the ebbs and flows of the season, and what needs to be addressed before it's too late? The trade deadline is still more than a month away, scheduled for 6 p.m. July 31, but it's never too early to look at options for the Tigers, needing a high-leverage reliever and a position player for the left side of the infield. Other topics include All-Star Game voting and injury updates about Reese Olson and Matt Vierling. Follow Evan on X/Twitter here. Read Evan's most recent work here