The Detroit Tigers have set a steep price for trading ace pitcher Tarik Skubal, deterring the New York Yankees and Mets from pursuing a deal. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers may still have an opening due to uncertainties with Blake Snell. The Yankees are instead focusing on bolstering their offense with a right-handed outfielder.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, widely regarded as the best in baseball, is entering a contract year amid swirling trade rumors. His impressive stats—lowest ERA in the American League over the past two seasons, a 2.39 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 38-13 record across 467.2 innings in the last three years—have made him a prime target. However, the Tigers' demands have proven too high for some contenders.
MLB insider Jon Heyman, appearing on a Bleacher Report live stream, revealed that the Tigers' asking price has pushed the Yankees and Mets out of the race. "It is high…My impression from the Yankees and the Mets is that it was too high for them…Detroit isn’t exactly naming the exact prices, so it’s not really a two-way discussion at this point. Teams are making offers and I don’t think they are coming close at this point," Heyman said.
For the Yankees, interest exists but not at the cost of prospects like Cam Schlittler and George Lombard Jr. The Mets, having recently acquired All-Star Freddy Peralta and Tobias Myers, view Skubal as a one-season rental and are unwilling to part with more top prospects.
On the other hand, the Dodgers' situation has shifted. With Blake Snell's readiness for Opening Day in late March uncertain due to a slowed throwing program, Los Angeles may reconsider adding pitching depth. The Tigers have not shut down talks, and the Dodgers' strong farm system positions them to potentially meet Detroit's demands without strain.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are pivoting to free agency and trades for a right-handed outfield bat, with interest in Randal Grichuk, whose .819 career OPS against lefties could address their lefty-heavy lineup. A Skubal trade seems more likely before the August 3 deadline than immediately.
