MLB : Tigers confirm signing from blockbuster trade
Despite many believing that Detroit Tigers All-Star pitcher Tarik Skubal is unlikely to be traded before the 2024 MLB trade deadline, his potential departure shouldn’t be completely ruled out. There are hints that Detroit might be open to such a move, one of which was recently highlighted by Jon Morosi of the MLB Network.
“Regarding Tarik Skubal, consider this: I’ve been informed that the Tigers have had a scout observing the Orioles’ Triple-A Norfolk affiliate in recent days. Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo, Connor Norby, and Kyle Stowers are all on the Norfolk roster,” Morosi posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday morning.
The Orioles’ farm system is currently one of the most promising in baseball, with three players in the top 15 of MLB.com’s prospect rankings. Infielder Jackson Holliday, who had a brief appearance in the majors earlier in the 2024 season, is ranked No. 1 overall; catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo is 12th; and infielder Coby Mayo is 15th.
Will the Orioles land Tigers’ Tarik Skubal?
The Orioles are currently leading the American League East division, but their lead is only by two games. Acquiring Skubal from the Tigers could significantly boost their playoff and World Series chances.
With a wealth of high-quality minor-league prospects, the Orioles have the resources to make an attractive offer for Skubal. He is expected to secure a substantial pay raise in the offseason.
“It’s a longshot that Skubal will be traded, but the Tigers are listening and have told teams they will move him only if they are overwhelmed by an offer,” wrote Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY. “The Orioles have the talented prospects to pull off a deal, possibly centering around Jackson Holliday, and may become the World Series favorites if they acquire Skubal to team with Corbin Burnes at the top of the rotation,” Nightengale added.
Skubal signed a one-year deal worth $2.65 million with the Tigers last January to avoid arbitration, but given his performance this year, he is likely to secure a much better deal through arbitration or a new contract, whether with Detroit or another team.
So far in the 2024 MLB regular season, Skubal has a 19-19 record with a 2.41 ERA and an impressive 173 ERA+.
The Tigers are not currently viewed as playoff contenders, being 11 games behind the top spot in the American League West standings and six games out of the last wild-card spot in the AL.