Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris accepted blame for the circumstances that forced the club to move star pitcher Tarik Skubal yet highlighted the strength of the prospects acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He also pushed back against criticism that waiting until the final hours would have produced a superior return.

"We entered these talks thoroughly prepared," Harris stated during a video call right after the Monday deadline. "We knew exactly the kind of package we sought and understood what each club could provide."

"A player of Tarik Skubal's caliber creates a distinct situation. Deadline markets for elite talent differ from standard deals. The common belief that one must hold out until the last instant to gain maximum value does not apply here."

Harris singled out outfield prospect Zyhir Hope for his power speed blend and advanced plate discipline. He called River Ryan a likely top rotation arm expected to reach the majors by September and labeled Brady Smith a high upside starter with a standout changeup.

Still, several Dodgers outfield prospects rank ahead of Hope, while the Rays and Brewers, also serious bidders, boast deeper farm systems. This led many executives to question whether the return matched Skubal's status as a two time Cy Young winner.

"Extending talks further served no purpose," Harris said. "The clubs involved offered their strongest proposals and even increased them to the limit. The idea that another day or two would have added value is simply incorrect."

The Tigers began the year aiming for the AL Central title but suffered numerous injuries and posted a 6 22 mark in May. They later won 28 of 46 games before slumping again, prompting Harris to pivot toward selling.

Starter Casey Mize also departed, heading to the Padres for first round pick Kash Mayfield.

Harris noted that while trading established contributors is difficult, failing to move Skubal and Mize would have been unwise given the offers. He took full responsibility for the team's position.

"I gave the roster every chance to prove we should keep them," he said. "They did not, and that falls on me."

Skubal, a late round pick in 2018, blossomed into an elite pitcher. Between 2024 and 2025 he posted a 31 10 record with a 2.30 ERA and 469 strikeouts. This season he owns a 2.79 ERA with 116 strikeouts in 96 and two thirds innings despite a brief elbow issue.

Skubal will reach free agency soon and seeks the largest contract for a starter. The Tigers discussed an extension but learned he preferred the open market.

Harris stressed the club is not conceding the season. At 54 58 the Tigers sit just two and a half games from a playoff spot and recently promoted top prospect Max Clark. They retained Gleyber Torres and Kenley Jansen because offers did not justify losing their immediate impact.

Ultimately Harris viewed the Skubal return as too valuable to decline, citing past deals that brought players such as Pete Crow Armstrong and Zack Wheeler.