The market for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is taking shape ahead of the August 3 trade deadline. The back-to-back AL Cy Young winner remains a top target despite his team's playoff hopes. Other contenders like the Phillies are also preparing to add pitching help.
Major League Baseball's August 3 trade deadline remains weeks away, yet rumors are already circulating among contenders and potential sellers. The Tigers sit 3.5 games back of the third wild card spot while eight games below .500, keeping open the possibility of dealing Skubal in his walk year.
The New York Post reports that the Cubs, Braves, and Rays are expected to pursue Skubal, while the Yankees and Dodgers are not viewed as strong bidders at this stage. Skubal's situation stands as the biggest question mark heading into the deadline.
Meanwhile, the Phillies under interim manager Don Mattingly and president Dave Dombrowski seek two relievers and a starting pitcher. The Giants' Luis Arraez, on a one-year deal, has stated he will only play second base if traded, telling reporters he has prepared to stay at the position.
Arraez lacks no-trade protection, though interested teams now know his positional preference.
