MLB Notebook: Skubal’s Ascension, Manning Heads to KBO, and Sonny Gray Reflects on Yankees Tenure
We’re officially into December, which means the MLB offseason is heating up-and so is the rumor mill. With Winter Meetings around the corner and front offices deep into trade talks, it’s a good time to check in on some key storylines from around the league. From Tarik Skubal’s rising stock to Matt Manning’s new chapter overseas, and Sonny Gray’s candid comments about his time in the Bronx, here’s what’s catching attention early this week.
Tigers Talk: Skubal’s Dominance, Manning’s Departure
Let’s start in Detroit, where the Tigers are holding onto one of the most valuable arms in baseball-and for good reason. Tarik Skubal, fresh off back-to-back AL Cy Young Awards, is being mentioned in trade speculation, but don’t expect anything to materialize soon. ESPN pegged the odds of a Skubal trade at just 10%, and when you break down the numbers, it’s easy to see why Detroit would be reluctant to move him.
Skubal isn’t just pitching well-he’s evolving. His changeup was the best in the game this past season by a wide margin, and it’s become his go-to weapon.
In 2021, he threw it just 12% of the time. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s now his most-used pitch at 31%.
That’s not just a stylistic shift-it’s a strategic one, and it’s paying off in a big way.
What’s even more impressive is how his velocity has climbed without sacrificing movement. Over the past two seasons, his fastball gained nearly two full ticks (+1.8 mph), and his changeup jumped even more (+3.7 mph).
Add in a slider that comes in at cutter speed, and Skubal is now working with three legit plus pitches. He’s also been a workhorse, logging 190+ innings in each of his Cy Young campaigns, all while maintaining elite control and command.
At 29, Skubal is in his prime. He’ll turn 30 after the 2026 season, and the only real question is how long he can sustain this level of dominance. But for now, he’s one of the most complete pitchers in the game-and the Tigers know exactly what they’ve got.
Meanwhile, another familiar name is heading overseas. Matt Manning, once a top prospect in Detroit’s system, is taking his talents to the KBO.
It’s a fresh start for the right-hander, who’s dealt with injuries and inconsistency in recent years. Korea could offer him a chance to reset, refine, and possibly work his way back into the MLB picture down the line.
Around the AL Central: Twins Hold the Cards
The Minnesota Twins could be one of the most influential teams this offseason. With several attractive trade chips, they’re in a position to shape the market if they choose to deal from their depth. Whether they’re looking to retool or reload remains to be seen, but they’re a team to watch closely as the Winter Meetings approach.
MLB Headlines: Gray Gets Honest, Bichette’s Future, and More
Let’s shift gears to some broader league news.
Sonny Gray, now with the Red Sox, didn’t mince words when reflecting on his time with the Yankees. His stint in New York was rocky, and he’s made it clear he didn’t enjoy his experience there. It’s not the first time he’s spoken candidly about that chapter, but the honesty continues to shed light on how fit-and organizational philosophy-can impact performance.
Bo Bichette is another name generating buzz. The question isn’t just where he’ll land, but what position he’ll play. His future could hinge on whether teams view him as a shortstop or a second baseman, and that positional flexibility-or lack thereof-will likely influence the market.
Devin Williams is headed to the Mets, giving New York another elite bullpen arm. The Mets have made it clear they’re not standing pat, and Williams could be a key piece in stabilizing a relief corps that’s been inconsistent in recent years.
Kyle Schwarber is also drawing interest, and the Reds have emerged as a potential fit. His bat still plays, especially in hitter-friendly parks, and Cincinnati could use a left-handed power threat in the middle of their lineup.
Elsewhere, Felix Hernandez is back in the Hall of Fame conversation. Jay Jaffe has made a compelling case for "King Felix" as a Contemporary Era candidate. The voters-16 of them, to be exact-will have a tough decision to make, but Hernandez’s peak dominance continues to resonate with fans and analysts alike.
And finally, as MLB and the players’ union prepare for deeper discussions on the next Collective Bargaining Agreement, the league’s recent engagement with its fan council on labor issues is worth keeping an eye on. A potential salary cap has been floated in some circles, and while nothing is imminent, the groundwork for future negotiations is clearly being laid.
What’s Next
As the offseason rolls on, keep your eyes on the pitching market, where names like Skubal, Gray, and Williams are shaping the narrative. Trade talks will only intensify, and with several big-name free agents still unsigned, we’re just getting started.
December may be cold, but baseball’s hot stove is just starting to simmer.