What happened: Jon Heyman reports Detroit has almost no chance of keeping Tarik Skubal long-term, and the left-hander will reach free agency if the Tigers don't trade him first. The report circulated during MLB's All-Star Week as deadline speculation builds around the reigning AL Cy Young winner.

Why it matters: Skubal is regarded as the top starting pitcher who could move before the deadline, and MLB Network's Greg Amsinger argued Atlanta needs to land him to pair with Chris Sale atop its rotation for a World Series push. It's the latest turn for a pitcher already tied to a wide field of suitors this summer.

What to watch: Detroit's asking price and its willingness to deal Skubal before the deadline will shape how the market moves from here.