The Detroit Tigers appear inclined to retain ace pitcher Tarik Skubal past the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Multiple reports indicate the club is trending upward and may make a playoff push instead of selling. Other teams are positioning for moves at catcher and starting pitching.
The MLB trade deadline sits less than two weeks away on Aug. 3. Rival executives told ESPN that the Tigers are leaning toward keeping Skubal, their back-to-back Cy Young winner who is set for free agency after the season. Detroit stands 4 ½ games out of playoff position after a 10-4 July.
The New York Yankees have identified Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers as their likeliest target behind the plate. Jeffers, a pending free agent with a career OPS+ of 110, could be dealt for bullpen help. The Yankees have declared infielder George Lombard Jr. and right-hander Carlos Lagrange off-limits in any trade talks.
The surging Boston Red Sox have shifted into buyer territory after a 14-game winning streak. Philadelphia is actively seeking a back-end starter to stabilize its rotation before Saturday's game against the Yankees. Baltimore is listening on catcher Adley Rutschman but is not rushing to trade the 2019 No. 1 pick.
