The Detroit Tigers are reportedly setting a high bar in trade discussions for their ace pitcher, Tarik Skubal, seeking a package of promising young players and pitchers under team control. Despite the team's current 34-45 record and fading playoff hopes, the unusually weak American League landscape may be providing the Tigers with leverage as the trade deadline approaches.
Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, has become a highly sought-after commodity. He offers a combination of elite pitching ability and control, making him a potential difference-maker for any team looking to bolster its rotation for a postseason run. The Tigers, however, are unlikely to part with him without a significant return. According to reports, Detroit is asking for prospects with multiple years of team control and hitters close to major league readiness.
One reported pursuit involved the New York Yankees, who were allegedly unwilling to meet the Tigers' demands for their top prospect, George Lombard, and No. 4 prospect, reliever Carlos Lagrange. Both players are highly regarded, with Lombard considered a top-20 prospect in baseball. The Tigers' significant asking price comes despite Skubal being under contract only through the end of the current season and being represented by Scott Boras, a well-known agent who typically guides clients to free agency.
The Tigers' position is complicated by their own performance and the state of the American League. As of mid-June, Detroit is 7.5 games behind the AL Central leader and five games out of the final wild-card spot. Yet, the American League as a whole is experiencing a historically low level of performance. Entering play on Wednesday, only two teams in the AL boasted a positive run differential, compared to eight in the National League. Even division leader Chicago White Sox have been outscored on the season.
This historically weak environment might allow the Tigers to maintain their high demands. They can contend that they are willing to hold onto Skubal, believing a strong streak could put them back in the playoff picture. Alternatively, they could leverage the interest from other clubs by suggesting they might keep him if their price isn't met, or risk waiting until the trade deadline to see if a more aggressive offer emerges. The trade deadline remains over a month away, giving the Tigers time to assess their options and potential return for their star pitcher.