Yankees Targeting Skubal Amid Slim Trade Prospects
The Hot Stove season is heating up, and ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan have unveiled their rankings of the top 25 trade targets, with the New York Yankees making several notable appearances. Among the most coveted names is Tarik Skubal, the ace of the Detroit Tigers, who is at the pinnacle of their list.
Skubal’s Value and Trade Odds
Skubal’s potential availability has captured the attention of multiple teams, including the Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants. However, the path to acquiring the 29-year-old left-hander appears steep, with ESPN insiders estimating only a 10% chance of the Tigers parting ways with their star pitcher.
“Despite several executives believing Skubal will move, the Tigers have shown no sign of deviating from their position that the back-to-back American League Cy Young winner will stay in Detroit,” McDaniel and Passan state. The Tigers view Skubal as their cornerstone player, especially as he approaches free agency after the 2026 season, and they have had little success in discussions regarding a contract extension. With aspirations of contending next season, Detroit is unlikely to break from this stance.
Skubal’s Stellar Performance
This year, Skubal further solidified his status as a premier pitcher, earning his second consecutive American League Cy Young Award. He dominated the league with a remarkable 2.21 ERA, leading in several key metrics including a 7.6 WAR and a 0.89 WHIP. Skubal also showcased his strikeout prowess, finishing with a career-high 241 strikeouts, ranking just behind Red Sox ace Crochet.
Alternative Options for the Yankees
If the Yankees are unable to secure Skubal, they may find a more feasible target in MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals, who sits at No. 9 on ESPN’s trade list. The insiders have placed the odds of a trade for Gore at 30%, indicating a slightly more favorable scenario for New York. Alongside the Yankees, the Orioles, Giants, Texas Rangers, and Arizona Diamondbacks are also in the mix for Gore’s services.
As the Yankees evaluate their options, the pursuit of pitching talent remains crucial. While Skubal represents a tantalizing yet improbable acquisition, alternatives like Gore may provide a more realistic avenue for bolstering their rotation.
