The Yankees are expected to be in the mix for one of the biggest names on the trade market, with Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal drawing interest from several contenders as the deadline approaches.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, New York is among five teams expected to inquire about the two-time Cy Young Award winner and impending free agent. Rosenthal wrote Tuesday, "The Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are among the clubs expected to inquire on Skubal, the reigning AL back-to-back Cy Young winner," Rosenthal wrote Tuesday.
For the Yankees, the fit is obvious even if the need isn’t as urgent as it is for some other clubs. Their rotation has been a strength, but adding a pitcher with Skubal’s profile would give Brian Cashman another premium weapon as New York tries to position itself for a World Series run. A group of Skubal, Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodon would be a serious problem for any lineup.
Skubal has been dominant this season, posting a 2.70 ERA with 3.0 bWAR across 15 starts while striking out 110 batters in 90 innings. By any measure, he stands out as the best starter - and maybe the best overall player - available before the deadline.
Detroit’s place in the standings could also shape how this plays out. Rosenthal noted, "The Tigers are now seven games under .500, six games out in the AL Central and four games back in the AL wild-card race, with four teams ahead of them," Rosenthal added. "Some clubs believe they might be willing to trade Skubal regardless of their position in the standings, as long as their asking price is met."
If Skubal does move, the Yankees would probably prefer he land somewhere outside the American League. The last thing they need is to see him in a Rays uniform when the postseason arrives.
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