As the MLB trade deadline looms large over the next few days, the only thing fans are talking about is a potential Tarik Skubal trade following his last start with the Detroit Tigers. The two-time Cy Young Award winner is seeking his third consecutive trophy, though he faces a steep battle in the American League with Cam Schlittler and Dylan Cease making strong cases. Still, his arsenal and effective strikeout rate make him the unquestioned holy grail of this year’s trade cycle.
What makes a trade nearly impossible for all teams is the asking price placed on Skubal’s arm. The Tigers, who are struggling to break .500, are asking for controllable pitching, quality prospects, and an MLB-ready player that is cheap to retain. The asking price alone is more than enough for owners to justify not chasing after one of the highest-regarded pitchers in the sport.
There are, however, five teams that could absolutely pull off a massive blockbuster for Skubal and shake up the sport for the next few years.
