Insiders are reporting, after months of speculation, that the Detroit Tigers will indeed trade Tarik Skubal in the coming days.
The Tigers are not out of the postseason race, but they are far from a lock. By keeping Skubal, they risk losing him for no return, so they could try to find a trade that keeps them competitive now, while also landing assets for the future. Every contender will want Skubal, who is a rental, but not every contender is being seen as a realistic landing spot.
"There will be no shortage of suitors for Skubal, with the (Los Angeles) Dodgers, (Milwaukee) Brewers and (Tampa Bay) Rays leading the pack," MLB insider Mark Feinsand wrote on Thursday. "The (Chicago) Cubs and (Atlanta) Braves will likely take their shot, too, and while the (New York) Yankees and (Philadelphia) Phillies have been mentioned as possibilities, sources believe those two clubs are long shots, as they have other holes to fill by Monday’s Trade Deadline."
It's not like the Yankees and Phillies won't try to get him. However, if they're up against the Brewers, Rays and Dodgers, they won't be able to make as competitive an offer without really gutting their farm systems or big league roster.
Even though Skubal only has three months of control, he will require a massive return to get. A top 100 prospect will have to be included, likely along with a big league arm and another valuable prospect. Even then, it's unclear if a deal would get done.
The Tigers have all of the leverage, in a market where the next best pitcher is not even on the same planet as Skubal. They could honestly ask for even more than two prospects and a big league pitcher, and one of the teams may pay the price. However, regardless of what they want, the other suitors will surely be able to beat the Yankees' and Phillies' best offer.
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