One of the most prominent names in MLB trade rumors this summer is the starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. There is allegedly talk of a blockbuster trade between Detroit and two teams, as there is a greater need than ever for elite starting pitching.
Skubal is not inexpensive. This season, one of the top pitchers in baseball is the 27-year-old. He has the second-lowest WHIP (0.88), the fifth-best K-BB rate (26.2 percent), and the third-lowest ERA (2.41) among qualified pitchers going into today’s MLB games.
FanGraphs statistics for Tarik Skubal include the following: 2.41 ERA, 0.88 WHIP,.189 batting average allowed, 30.8% K-rate, 4.6% walk rate, and 26.2% K-BB rate.
Nor is this a one-year anomaly. In 196.1 innings pitched over the past two seasons, Skubal has a 2.57 ERA, a 242-35 strikeout rate, a 0.89 WHIP, and just 6.4 hits allowed per nine innings. The fact that he has one of the best team-friendly contracts in baseball only serves to increase his value.
Tarik Skubal contract: $2.65 million pay in 2024; 2025–2026 compensation available for arbitration
All of that is contributing to the Tigers’ outrageous asking price for him and the league-wide perception that a deal is unlikely to occur. Still, Detroit is in negotiations with two teams who are close to the top of the MLB rankings and might make the World Series.
The Detroit Tigers are reportedly in trade talks with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles regarding Skubal, according to a report published on Sunday by Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
MLB’s top two farm systems are at Baltimore and Los Angeles. Detroit may be interested in outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. and catcher Samuel Basallo, who is ranked No. 12 overall by MLB.com among the Orioles’ top prospects who are expected to go.
Regarding the Dodgers’ best prospects, any trade would probably need outfielder Josue De Paula (ranked No. 62 by MLB.com) or catcher Dalton Rushing (ranked No. 47 overall by MLB.com). However, it’s highly likely that the Tigers would need both in exchange for a more substantial offer from Los Angeles.
Prior to the MLB trade deadline, Detroit’s readiness to hold trade negotiations regarding Skubal adds another level of complexity. All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox was said to be on the verge of being traded, with the Orioles and Dodgers being the front-runners. Even though Skubal is far less likely to be traded this year, Los Angeles and Baltimore will have more options if Chicago’s asking price is too high because he is available in the market.