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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal was the talk of the town during the MLB Winter Meetings, especially since he only has one year left of team control before he hits free agency, putting his team in a bind.
The Tigers seem unable to pay Skubal his market value, especially after he won his second Cy Young Award. He will demand $400 million in the open market as a rare top-of-the-line starter that makes his way to free agency.
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Now, the Tigers face a serious conundrum — either trade him before losing him in free agency or keep him for another playoff push.
Skubal would demand a serious trade package from a contending team that wants to make a big splash, and it will be hard for the Tigers to ignore those offers and keep him on the team.
Entering the Winter Meetings, it seemed there was little buzz on Skubal getting dealt, with few reports indicating that they would be willing to move him or that a team was willing to pay the massive price tag.
However, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, a Skubal trade is likely, based on conversations in Orlando, and if the right offer comes, he could be moved.
“That a Tarik Skubal trade is likely. Here’s what we know: Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris can shut down speculation by simply saying he is not trading Skubal and he has not done that,” Castillo wrote in his story.
“Instead, he noted this week that there aren’t any “untouchables” on his roster. Trading the best pitcher in baseball when you’re trying to compete would upset the fan base, but the Tigers, knowing re-signing Skubal next winter is unlikely, appear open to it.”
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While Castillo did not list contenders for the ace, the Dodgers and Mets have been heavily linked to him, and both have the prospects to get a deal done.
If the price for Skubal becomes feasible, either of those teams, or potentially a dark horse, could strike a deal that sends him out.
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