Let’s point out the obvious…the Tigers have not lived up to most every fans’ expectations. The trade deadline is rapidly approaching and when it comes to the post season it seems like pitchers are more valuable than position players and the Tigers have an abundance of pitchers and have a huge need for bats so should they try and move their biggest asset?
As I write this at the All Star break, the Tigers are 47-50 and 12 games back of the Guardians in the American League Central and 7 games back of the final Wild Card spot. So I think it is safe to say that the Tigers are not going to be in the playoff hunt this season and they have a ton of holes to fill so that they can become competitive in the future. The one thing that the Tigers do have is pitching, both starters and in the bullpen. I have a feeling that some of the dudes in the bullpen will be on the move for sure, but where does this leave Skubal? He isn’t just your normal, everyday run of the mill starting pitcher. He is the front runner for the AL Cy Young award and it seems like he keeps getting better EVERY start. This isn’t completely unheard of but doesn’t happen every year so why should they trade him?
When I say trade, I don’t mean just give him away…keep that in mind. We have seen some big name, young pitchers get traded recently and their old teams have gotten quite a haul of prospects in return. The White Sox are in the same boat with Garrett Crochett. The biggest difference is that the Tigers are in a much better situation. The best way to fill the holes that the Tigers have is to trade assets. Free agents aren’t coming any longer, not any big names anyway, and the draft can be a slow process. A pitcher of Skubal’s ability could also garner major league talent as well but I have a feeling the package it would take to land him would have to be so over the top it would have to be an almost too good to be true situation. Keep in mind Tigers fans, Avila isn’t there any longer so I have a very good feeling that if he is traded he won’t be traded for a Gatorade and some sunflower seeds. In a perfect world this wouldn’t be a question but I have a feeling that management didn’t think Torkelson would be in AAA and some of the young talent already in the system hasn’t progressed as they thought they would. Lastly, the Tigers have proven that they can develop pitching so to say they couldn’t produce another pitcher like him isn’t out of the question.
So do I personally think they will trade him? I do not…unless they get an offer they can’t say no to. Heading into the All Star break they are 8-2 and they took 2/3 from the Dodgers and the Guardians so this team can compete with the best teams but is it sustainable? Nope. They need more offense badly in order to compete over the whole season and if trading Skubal gets you the haul that will overhaul the farm system I say do it but only time will tell if that team and package exists!
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