MLB News: Skubal, Ramirez, McGonigle & WBC Updates

Detroit, march 6, 2024

Tigers Weigh Skubal Trade Options as Extension Talks Stall

The Detroit Tigers are considering all possibilities with star pitcher Tarik Skubal, including potential trades, as contract extension negotiations reach a standstill.

• The Tigers have entertained trade offers for skubal, but the asking price remains high.
• Rival executives suggest waiting for Skubal to reach free agency might be more beneficial than trading for him now.
• Detroit faces a decision: extend Skubal, trade him, or risk losing him without significant compensation.

The Detroit Tigers are grappling with a critical decision regarding left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal, as extension talks have stalled due to a significant gap between the team and the player’s expectations. While the institution would prefer to secure Skubal long-term, club sources indicate they’ve begun exploring trade possibilities, though the current asking price is proving prohibitive for most suitors.

Determining a fair price for Skubal is complicated by the recent surge in free-agent contracts. If Kyle Tucker recently secured a deal worth $60 million annually, what would a comparable four-year contract for Skubal command – potentially $70 million per year? This escalating market is influencing Detroit’s calculations.

did you know? – Tarik Skubal, 26, posted a 2.63 ERA in 87 innings pitched last season, establishing himself as a key piece of the Tigers’ rotation. His performance has significantly increased his trade value.

Several rival executives believe waiting until Skubal reaches free agency-and potentially losing him without a considerable return-is preferable to surrendering a significant portion of thier farm system for just one year of his services. Some have advised the Tigers that acquiring Skubal now would require sacrificing too much of their future prospects. Detroit could either trade him at the deadline for a lesser return, or follow the Angels’ approach with Shohei Ohtani and allow him to depart in free agency, receiving only draft pick compensation.

Pro tip – Teams often weigh the risk of losing a player for nothing in free agency against the potential reward of acquiring top prospects through a trade. This is a common dilemma for clubs with impending free agents.

World Baseball Classic Updates

The World Baseball Classic is also generating headlines. Carlos Correa will not participate in the tournament, and Bo Bichette has withdrawn from Team Brazil.

Aaron Judge is set to appear on the cover of a baseball publication for the second time.

Reader question – Do you think the Tigers should prioritize acquiring prospects or retaining skubal, even at a high cost? Share your thoughts on the team’s best path forward.