What we’re hearing about the Tigers’ likely asking price on Skubal and more trade deadline intel - The Athletic - The New York Times
Detroit considers Skubal trade scenarios
The Detroit Tigers are reportedly evaluating potential trade packages for pitcher Tarik Skubal, even as they aim to strengthen their team for both the present and future. According to rival executives briefed on the Tigers’ strategy, a possible trade for Skubal could involve acquiring a controllable starting pitcher along with additional prospects. This approach would see a new starter filling Skubal’s rotation spot, though likely with a different performance level. The trade deadline is approaching, and the Tigers are exploring various scenarios.
Among the pitchers who might be considered in such a deal are Emmet Sheehan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Logan Henderson from the Milwaukee Brewers, Ian Seymour of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Andrew Painter from the Philadelphia Phillies. Other names mentioned include JR Ritchie or AJ Smith-Shawver from the Atlanta Braves, and Will Warren or Ryan Weathers of the New York Yankees. While some of these pitchers have shown promise, none have performed at Skubal’s level this season, who has maintained a 2.97 ERA in seven starts since returning from surgery.
The primary challenge with trading Skubal is the potential impact on the Tigers’ playoff aspirations. As of a recent assessment, the team’s odds of reaching the postseason stood at 28.3 percent, with a 2.4 percent chance of winning the World Series, and these figures are based on Skubal remaining on the roster. Baseball executives refer to the strategy of both buying and selling players as “threading the needle,” a complex and potentially disruptive process. A past example involved the Milwaukee Brewers‘ 2022 trade of Josh Hader, which initially impacted their short-term performance, leading to them missing the playoffs despite later long-term benefits.
The Tigers are in a unique position, as Skubal’s presence offers them a chance to contend in what is considered a less competitive year for the American League. Should he leave as a free agent after receiving a qualifying offer, the team would still receive a draft pick as compensation, potentially before the competitive-balance round. The team has until the deadline to finalize any decisions, continuing to weigh all possibilities.
Dodgers’ potential interest in Skubal
The Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams that could be eyeing Skubal. While the Dodgers already possess a strong roster, including their four playoff starters—Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow—the possibility of acquiring a talent like Skubal remains a topic of discussion. The team’s front office, led by Andrew Friedman, is known for its pursuit of championships.
The Dodgers’ current pitching staff has faced some injury concerns, with Snell recovering from a shoulder issue and elbow surgery, Glasnow dealing with lower back spasms, and Ohtani experiencing a balky left knee. These factors could influence their decision-making regarding additional pitching depth. However, the Dodgers also have promising young pitchers like Justin Wrobleski and a strong bullpen, which could factor into their strategy.
Historically, the Dodgers have made significant midseason acquisitions, such as Yu Darvish in 2017 and Manny Machado in 2018. However, they are also cautious about parting with valuable prospects. The team has focused on acquiring star talent through free agency in recent offseasons, with owner Mark Walter indicating a willingness to spend to win. Despite having a highly-ranked farm system, the cost of acquiring Skubal in terms of prospects would likely be substantial.
One argument for the Dodgers pursuing Skubal is their strong prospect pool, which could match the Tigers’ needs. The Tigers’ farm system is rich in infielders but could benefit from more outfielders and additional pitching. The Dodgers could offer outfield prospects such as Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, and Eduardo Quintero, along with young pitchers like Wrobleski, Sheehan, and River Ryan, who could immediately contribute to Detroit’s rotation.
Acquiring Skubal would also prevent him from joining a competitor, such as the Atlanta Braves, who could pair him with Chris Sale to create a formidable left-handed pitching duo. The Dodgers’ decision will involve balancing their immediate championship aspirations with their long-term player development goals, a dilemma that often shapes their trade deadline strategies.
Other teams active in trade discussions
The Philadelphia Phillies are also active in the trade market, despite their farm system being ranked 15th by one assessment. Dave Dombrowski, the team’s president of baseball operations, believes the Phillies possess enough young talent to address their needs for a No. 5 starter, a high-leverage reliever, and a right-handed hitting outfielder. He noted considerable interest in players within their system.
Key prospects for the Phillies include shortstop Aidan Miller, right-hander Painter, and outfielder Justin Crawford. Miller has been sidelined with a back problem, Painter was demoted to Triple A after a 7.06 ERA in 65 innings, and Crawford’s offensive performance has been below league average. The Phillies’ team statistics, including their 17th ranking in runs per game and low defensive rankings, highlight areas for potential improvement.
The Tampa Bay Rays, currently holding the best record in the AL, are expected to be aggressive at the deadline. One rival executive suggested that Tampa Bay could make a significant acquisition. The Rays are reportedly scouting extensively and aim to add pitching and an impact hitter to complement players like Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, and Jonathan Aranda. This hitter could play various positions, and the Rays might acquire more than one player.
Meanwhile, the future of Washington Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin is also being discussed. Some rival executives anticipate a trade, though the Nationals are still considering whether to deal, extend, or retain him. Griffin, who made the All-Star team in his first full major league season, holds a 2.68 ERA over 117 1/3 innings and 20 starts. His performance, particularly his 1.25 ERA since June, has generated strong interest, especially given the limited number of attractive rental starters available on the market, such as Freddy Peralta of the New York Mets and Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants.
The trade deadline is 12 days away, and teams across the league are evaluating their options to bolster their rosters for the remainder of the season.
Source: nytimes.com
