MLB Trade Deadline Preview: What’s Next for Tarik Skubal?

As the MLB trade deadline looms closer, there’s a buzz surrounding Tarik Skubal’s future. Instead of diving into the typical trade candidate lists we’ve already seen, let’s take a more creative approach and bring back something fun—an old-school mega preview.

Anyone else reminisce about those old Sports Illustrated MLB Preview magazines? They were packed with pages—around 40 or so—full of team insights, season highlights, flashy graphics, and cool photos. Maybe it’s just nostalgia from my youth, but those issues were the highlight of my baseball season.

So, in a playful defiance against those who think mega previews are a thing of the past, we’re reviving it… but, you know, digitally. There won’t be the exciting visuals, and it’s just me on the production side, but we’re gonna have a blast. Each team is highlighted, and it’ll have that festive vibe—like when Buddy the Elf sings and spreads Christmas cheer. Expect fun categories and a mix of team insights, because, really, mega previews deserve to live on, even if they feel a bit retro.

Will the Detroit Tigers Trade Tarik Skubal?

It’s hard to imagine they wouldn’t consider it. The Tigers appear to be asking for quite a hefty price for Skubal. For teams looking to snag him, it could feel like an absolute steal. With just a couple of weeks until the deadline, there’s bound to be a team that panics and gives up a lot for a player nearing the end of his contract. But, you know, trends can be unpredictable. The Tigers could very well hold on to Skubal, risking him leaving for nothing next winter, which would be a tough situation to deal with.

What About His Future Team?

That’s a tricky one. There’s a good chance he could end up with the Los Angeles Dodgers next offseason— reports suggest they’re interested. The Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays, and Atlanta Braves are also mentioned as potential fits. The Braves stand out as an interesting option, especially since their rotation may not be living up to expectations on paper.

Could He Land Elsewhere?

Well, if he joins a contending team, there’s a definite chance, but some franchises don’t seem eager to piece together a trade package for him. For instance, the San Diego Padres aren’t making a serious play for the postseason this year, and even if they usually pursue big names, the market for elite candidates has changed. My team, the Boston Red Sox, doesn’t seem to be inclined to dive into rentals either, despite their solid pre-deadline performance. Still, there might be some wildcard teams out there who aren’t expecting to retain Skubal.

The rules around the trade deadline create a unique atmosphere where any team can be a player. As per FanDuel, World Series odds range from 10-1 to 50-1, which may sound wide but indicates a level of competitive balance. Each contender could label themselves a buyer, while many others feel like sellers. So, which team stands out?

Top Contenders at the Deadline

1. Detroit Tigers — Their actions will heavily influence the trade landscape. A team acquiring Skubal would gain a real game-changer.
2. Washington Nationals — With young talents like James Wood and CJ Abrams, it’s tricky to see them trading Wood, but Abrams could be more on the table as they build for the future.
3. New York Yankees — Expect them to make a move at the deadline. The AL is competitive, and they definitely have roster gaps to fill.
4. Boston Red Sox — Initially thought to be sellers, they’ve turned things around and might consider being buyers. But they have a decision to make regarding their aging star closer, Aroldis Chapman, who’s popular on the market.
5. Minnesota Twins — They might shake things up, considering they’ve been known to make significant trades. Players like Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan could find themselves in discussions.
6. San Francisco Giants — With various players in play for trades, they might consider capitalizing on Rafael Devers’ recent power surge. It’ll be interesting to see if they decide to keep him around for longer.

Underrated Trade Assets

Reed Detmers — He hasn’t been in the spotlight since being moved to the Angels’ bullpen last season, but he’s still seen as a valuable asset. Despite a modest ERA, he could shine in the right environment. Also, keep an eye on Rico Garcia from the Orioles—he’s been performing strongly even as his team struggles.

A Possible Surprise Player

Then there’s Mickey Moniak, a former No. 1 draft pick who’s been on the move. He’s shown potential, particularly in hitting power, but there are questions about his consistency away from Colorado. He could offer significant value for teams willing to take a chance on him, even with his flaws.