AL East Team Listed As Trade Fit for Tarik Skubal

The Detroit Tigers are expected to be a clear contender this season with a starting rotation that includes two-time reigning American League Cy Young Tarik Skubal, Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander. However, the season has still yet to start. It’s a long road, and teams can always perform below their expectations.

The Tigers could find themselves in that position if their offense struggles this season. That is what led to them losing a 15 1/2-game lead in the AL Central before barely sneaking into the postseason as a Wild Card team.

If they fall out of contention, Skubal could be a trade candidate as he moves closer to free agency. Mike Axisa of CBS Sports predicts that if he is traded, the New York Yankees could be in the mix.

“A middling offense and untimely pitching injuries could push the Tigers out of the race and put Skubal on the block,” Axisa wrote. “Even as a rental with an enormous salary (he would still be owed about $10 million at the trade deadline), the bidding war for Skubal would be fierce. He’s a balance of power player, someone who can swing a division race or a postseason series all by himself.”

The Yankees will be getting Gerrit Cole back later this season. However, in the event that he takes longer than expected to return, the Yankees could use a little bit of help in their starting rotation, and Skubal would be a perfect fit for a team looking to bounce back from their ALDS loss.

The Tigers will request a haul in return, but the Yankees have exciting young players such as Spencer Jones, George Lombard Jr. and Jasson Dominguez. All three players may be required in order to get a potential deal done with Detroit.

Assuming the Yankees are still in contention at the trade deadline, a trade for Skubal could make them the clear favorites to win the AL East and possibly even make a run to the World Series to dethrone the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Yankees shouldn’t be counted out of the potential sweepstakes if the Tigers make Skubal available. They have the prospects to get a deal done.

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