Matt Higgins
One of the top pitchers in baseball could be on the trade block this winter. With Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers reportedly $250 million apart on a contract extension, the franchise could do what was once thought unthinkable and deal the reigning American League Cy Young winner. Skubal is entering the last year of arbitration and will be a free agent after the 2026 season.
If Skubal is made available, several teams will be willing to offer up their top prospects for the left-hander. Here is what a trade for Skubal could look like for five contenders.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers could afford both a trade and extension for Skubal. Adding him would create one of the greatest rotations of all time with Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani. But they would have to surrender top prospect outfielder Josue De Paula, pitcher Roki Sasaki — who has dominated out of the bullpen during the playoffs — and injured pitcher River Ryan. Sasaki could be the Tigers’ new ace while Ryan, when he returns, would be a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter. The Tigers would also have a future franchise outfielder in De Paula.
- Los Angeles Dodgers receive: Tarik Skubal
- Detroit Tigers receive: Outfielder Josue De Paula (LA’s No. 1 prospect, MLB’s 13th overall), pitcher River Ryan (LA’s No. 9 prospect) and pitcher Roki Sasaki
New York Mets
The Mets need to remake their starting rotation after it bottomed out in the second half of the 2025 season, and they can do so by trading for Skubal. The two-time All-Star would be the ace the Mets desperately need, and owner Steve Cohen will shell out the $400 million or so it would take to keep him in Queens. But they will have to part with their top rookie pitcher in Nolan McLean, who had a 2.06 ERA in eight late-season starts with 57 strikeouts in 48 innings. The Tigers would also acquire prospect Jett Williams, who could take over second base if Gleyber Torres leaves in free agency, and starter Jonah Tong.
- New York Mets receive: Tarik Skubal
- Detroit Tigers receive: Pitcher Nolan McLean (New York’s No. 1 prospect, MLB’s 11th overall), Infielder/outfielder Jett Williams (New York’s No. 3 prospect, MLB’s 30th overall) and pitcher Jonah Tong (New York’s No. 4 prospect, MLB’s 46th overall)
New York Yankees
With ace Gerrit Cole coming back from Tommy John surgery, there’s no guarantee he will be the ace he previously was, especially at 35 years of age. The Yankees have the players to make a trade work and the money to sign Skubal long-term. It would hurt giving up postseason star pitcher Cam Schlittler, top prospect George Lombard Jr. and another pitching prospect in Ben Hess, but if the Yankees want to win their first World Series since 2009, getting Skubal will help get them there.
- New York Yankees receive: Tarik Skubal
- Detroit Tigers receive: Pitcher Cam Schlittler, outfielder George Lombard Jr. (New York’s No. 1 prospect — MLB’s 25th overall) and pitcher Ben Hess (New York’s No. 6 prospect)
Philadelphia Phillies
Zack Wheeler is expected to return sometime in 2026 after undergoing surgery for a blood clot near his right shoulder, but it’s unknown what type of pitcher he will be. Aaron Nola is coming off the worst season of his career, recording a 6.01 ERA. With Ranger Suarez not expected to come back in free agency, the Phillies could look to pair another ace with Cristopher Sanchez in Skubal. And if Wheeler is able to regain his All-Star form, they would have the most dominant trio in baseball. To get Skubal, the Phillies would need to deal highly regarded pitching prospect Andrew Painter — who is compared to Gerrit Cole — and infield prospects Aidan Miller — who could reach the big leagues in 2026 — and Aroon Escobar.
- Philadelphia Phillies receive: Tarik Skubal
- Detroit Tigers receive: Pitcher Andrew Painter (Philadelphia’s No. 1 prospect, MLB’s 16th overall), shortstop Aidan Miller (Philadelphia’s No. 2 prospect, MLB’s 32nd overall) and second baseman Aroon Escobar (Philadelphia’s No. 5 prospect)
Boston Red Sox
Garrett Crochet emerged as the ace the Boston Red Sox needed after they traded for him, but they still need more pitching. Adding Skubal would form a potent one-two punch, especially in a short postseason series. The Red Sox have the prospects to make that happen and could get a deal done by sending second baseman Kristian Campbell, left-handed pitching prospect Payton Tolle and outfield prospect Jhostynxon Garcia.
- Boston Red Sox receive: Tarik Skubal
- Detroit Tigers receive: Second baseman Kristian Campbell, pitcher Payton Tolle (Boston’s No. 2 prospect, MLB’s 28th overall), and outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia (Boston’s No. 3 prospect, MLB’s 85th overall)
