With the August 3 trade deadline 12 days away, multiple clubs are positioning themselves for potential deals involving high-profile players including Detroit's Tarik Skubal and New York Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
Interest is growing in Robert Jr., who returned from a nearly three-month injured list stint with a spine ailment. Multiple teams have inquired about the outfielder, who hit a 451-foot homer on Tuesday, according to reports from The Athletic. Robert is set to make $5.9 million after the deadline and has a $2 million buyout on a $20 million team option for 2027.
The Tampa Bay Rays appear poised to make significant roster upgrades. A rival executive told The Athletic that the club will be "buying big" at the deadline. Tampa Bay has scouted Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers and is linked to Giants second baseman Luis Arraez, who is hitting .323 this season.
Detroit's handling of two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal remains the biggest question. The Tigers want a controllable starting pitcher and quality prospects in return, with the Dodgers seen as a strong potential match, per The Athletic and ESPN. Skubal is scheduled to start Friday against the Royals and next Wednesday against the Orioles.
