The New York Yankees could find themselves in a fierce bidding war if Tarik Skubal hits the trade market. The big question for the Yankees and owner Hal Steinbrenner is whether they’re ready to make a bold move to secure a pitcher of Skubal's caliber, especially with heavy competition.
Mike Axisa from CBS Sports suggests the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays as top contenders for the left-hander, should the Detroit Tigers decide to trade him. Letting Skubal slip to Toronto would be a nightmare scenario for the Yankees.
While it's uncertain if the Tigers will struggle enough to consider trading Skubal, it’s certainly within the realm of possibility. The Tigers had a tough end to 2025, particularly with their offense, and even the likes of Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander can't fix everything.
If Detroit’s offense falters and injuries hit the pitching staff, they might find themselves out of contention, making Skubal a trade candidate. Despite his hefty salary-around $10 million at the deadline-Skubal’s potential impact is undeniable. He’s the kind of player who can change the dynamics of a division race or a postseason series single-handedly.
Trading Skubal might seem unlikely now, but if the Tigers face a losing season and risk losing him for nothing later, trading him becomes a strategic move. For the Yankees, even if they risk losing him to free agency later, acquiring Skubal could be the key to a championship run.