The Detroit Tigers are banking on other teams’ success to drive up the market for their ace. For Detroit to get the massive return they’re looking for, they need big-market clubs like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers to keep playing at their current level.
The Tigers still haven’t made a final call on whether they’ll trade Tarik Skubal, but the market’s starting to crystallize. The latest reports suggest three teams are emerging as the main contenders for the left-hander’s services.
The bidding war seems to be narrowing down to clubs that can handle both Skubal’s remaining salary and Detroit’s prospect demands.
“Now that it’s becoming inevitable that the free-falling Detroit Tigers may have no choice but to trade two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal at the deadline, rival executives believe the bidding will come down to four finalists that not only can afford the remainder of his $32 million contract, but will also be willing to give up prized prospects: The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays.”
That’s according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
If those three teams end up being the finalists, it’s pretty much the best-case scenario for Detroit.
All three organizations have solid farm systems and a track record of moving top prospects when they need to win now. The Dodgers and Yankees especially have shown they’re willing to pay premium prices for difference-makers.
For a Tigers team that might have no choice but to trade the best starter in baseball right now, having those kinds of bidders creates leverage. Unless Skubal’s willing to discuss an extension during the season, Detroit’s going to need every bit of that competition to maximize their return.
The way I see it, having three teams with deep pockets and win-now mentalities involved should drive the asking price exactly where the Tigers want it.
