Building on intensified trade rumors for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal from the MLB Winter Meetings—where insiders debated deals with teams like the Dodgers—no suitor has emerged yet. With one year of control left, here's a ranking of top destinations based on prospects, needs, and contention odds.
Following Winter Meetings speculation that a trade for two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is likely (though contested), the Tigers weigh dealing their ace amid low re-signing odds post-2026. Rumors prominently link him to the Dodgers; other contenders rank below based on trade packages and rotation fits:
8. Chicago Cubs: Prospects like Owen Caissie, Moisés Ballesteros, Kevin Alcátara, Jaxon Wiggins, and Cade Horton could appeal. Skubal bolsters behind Justin Steele, Shōta Imanaga, and Matthew Boyd to aid Pete Crow-Armstrong.
7. Philadelphia Phillies: Andrew Painter and Aidan Miller are high-risk asks from a thin system. Pairs with Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, Jesús Luzardo, and Aaron Nola for Dodgers challenge.
6. Toronto Blue Jays: Post-$277M spends on Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Tyler Rogers, and AL pennant push, fits sustainable core with Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker.
5. New York Yankees: Post-Soto, pairs with Max Fried, Gerrit Cole; prospects Cam Schlittler, Spencer Jones, Jasson Domínguez.
4. Baltimore Orioles: After Pete Alonso ($155M/5yrs), Valdez/King links; young hitters beyond Basallo, Holliday.
3. Boston Red Sox: With Gray, Oviedo, Crochet depth; Boras client rental hesitation.
2. New York Mets: Cohen eyes re-sign; with Nolan McLean, prospects Jonah Tong, Brandon Sproat, Carson Benge, Jett Williams.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers: Top fit with Yamamoto, Snell, Ohtani, Glasnow; deep prospects (Sheehan, Ryan, De Paula, Hope, Rushing, Freeland) and budget make them favorites.