Despite many believing that Detroit Tigers All-Star pitcher Tarik Skubal is unlikely to be traded before the 2024 MLB trade deadline, the possibility cannot be entirely dismissed. Several hints suggest that Detroit might be open to the idea, including a recent update from Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
“Regarding Tarik Skubal, consider this: I’m told the Tigers have had a scout observing the Orioles’ Triple-A Norfolk affiliate recently. Players like Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo, Connor Norby, and Kyle Stowers are part of the Norfolk roster,” Morosi posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday morning.
The Orioles boast one of the most impressive farm systems in baseball today, with three players in MLB.com’s top 15 prospect rankings. Infielder Jackson Holliday, who had a brief major league stint earlier this season, is ranked No. 1 overall; catcher/first baseman Samuel Basallo is 12th; and infielder Coby Mayo is 15th.
Will the Orioles acquire Tigers’ Tarik Skubal?
American League pitcher Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers (29) pitches in the second inning against the National League during the 2024 MLB All-Star game at Globe Life Field.
Currently leading the American League East by only two games, the Orioles could significantly boost their playoff and World Series chances by acquiring Skubal from the Tigers.
With a wealth of top-tier minor-league assets, the Orioles could assemble a compelling offer to entice the Tigers to part with Skubal, who is likely to receive 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.
“Certainly, the Orioles have the talented prospects to pull off a deal, possibly centered around Jackson Holliday, and could become World Series favorites if they acquire Skubal to team with Corbin Burnes at the top of the rotation,” Nightengale added.
Skubal, who signed a one-year deal worth $2.65 million with the Tigers last January to avoid arbitration, is having a stellar season and is expected to secure a much better deal either through arbitration or a new contract.
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 considered playoff contenders at this point, as they are 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.
