The speculation surrounding Tarik Skubal isn’t going away anytime soon.
In a recent trade deadline analysis for ESPN, MLB insider Jeff Passan listed the Detroit Tigers ace as the player most likely to be moved before the deadline, assigning him an 85% chance of being traded.
According to Passan, the biggest factor in Detroit’s decision will be where the club stands in the playoff race over the next several weeks. While Skubal has returned from elbow surgery and immediately looked like himself again, the Tigers still face an uphill battle in the American League standings.
“Considering the hole they’ve dug themselves, they are far more likely than not to move Skubal,” Passan wrote, noting that Detroit not only trails in the Wild Card race but also has several teams ahead of them in the standings.
Passan added that the Tigers are expected to maximize the return if they decide to move the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
“He is the dream deadline candidate, the sort of ace who can carry a team in the postseason,” Passan wrote. “Whoever lands Skubal will pay an enormous price. Happily.”
Any concerns about Skubal’s health appear to have faded after his return from surgery. Passan noted that the left-hander touched 99.9 mph with his fastball after coming back, reinforcing his status as one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers.
The scouting report remains unchanged. Skubal continues to feature a devastating arsenal led by a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, an elite changeup, and multiple secondary pitches that grade as above average or better. Combined with his command, it is easy to see why he has captured back-to-back Cy Young Awards.
Passan listed the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Tampa Bay Rays among the most logical landing spots if Detroit ultimately decides to make the blockbuster move.
For now, however, the Tigers appear willing to give themselves more time. Recent reports have indicated Detroit plans to evaluate its position in the standings closer to the All-Star break before making a final determination on whether to buy, sell, or entertain offers for its franchise ace.
As long as the Tigers remain on the fringes of contention, Skubal’s future will remain one of the biggest storylines to watch leading up to the MLB trade deadline.
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