What happened: Detroit has set what's described as an outrageous asking price for Tarik Skubal ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, with the Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers viewed as the strongest suitors. The San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox are considered unlikely bidders given their current roster approach. The Washington Nationals are also drawing attention around James Wood and Cj Abrams, though a Wood trade is viewed as unlikely.

Why it matters: If the Tigers keep Skubal past the deadline, they risk losing him for nothing this winter when he reaches free agency, a scenario that would sting after Detroit's surge since early June. Whichever contender lands him would instantly jump into the top tier of World Series contenders, extending a Skubal chase that has spanned the summer.

What to watch: Watch whether Detroit's price softens as the Aug. 3 deadline closes in, and whether the Nationals field offers for Abrams.