Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal is the best pitcher in baseball and is currently fighting for one of the highest arbitration salaries in Major League Baseball history. He has also been the subject of MLB trade rumors, but Detroit’s demands could prevent a deal from happening.
MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post said on Bleacher Report Live that while the Tigers haven’t given a firm price for Skubal, their demands were high enough that both teams dropped out of contention.
“The price is high…My impression with the Yankees and Mets is that it’s too high for them…Detroit hasn’t put an exact price on it, so it’s not really a two-way discussion at this point. Teams are making offers and I don’t think they’re close yet.”
Jon Heyman on Detroit Tigers’ asking price in Tarik Skubal trade
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Heyman noted that while the Yankees are interested in adding another starting pitcher, there is zero interest in meeting the demands Detroit has made. New York is determined not to include starting pitcher Cam Schlittler, top prospect George Lombard Jr. and possibly even the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner.
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As for the Mets, they have made aggressive moves to bolster their starting rotation by trading All-Star pitcher Freddy Peralta. New York also acquired Tobias Miles in the deal, and after trading several top players, the club didn’t want to give up more for Skubal’s season-long loan.
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It’s no surprise that the Tigers are asking a very high price for Skubal. He has had the lowest ERA in the American League each of the past two seasons, and over the past three seasons, he has a 2.39 ERA and 0.90 WHIP, going 38-13 in 467.2 innings. He is, without a doubt, the best starter in baseball.
However, heading into a contract year, the team is simply unwilling to disrupt their farm system and move several of their top prospects for ace players who will test the open market next winter. In reality, Skubal will be Detroit’s Opening Day starter and a trade is more likely to happen before the MLB trade deadline on August 3.
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