Even though reports point to the New York Mets making a serious run at a trade for Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal, a top NY MLB insider explains why there is little to no chance a deal ever comes close.
During the Mets’ stunning September collapse, one thing became apparent. While they have talented young pitchers ready to make an impact now in Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, and Jonah Tong, they badly need a front-line ace that can stop losing streaks when they arise. Well, one of the best in the game could be up for grabs this winter, and his name is Tarik Skubal.
However, pulling off a trade for Detroit Tigers ace will be complex to say the least. Blockbuster deals for Cy Young contenders rarely happen for good reason. That is why New York Post MLB expert Joel Sherman took some time during a new edition of his “The Show” podcast to explain the key reasons why the Amazin’s trading for the two-time All-Star this winter is an extreme long shot.
3 reasons why a Mets trade for Tarik Skubal is a massive long shot
Sherman believes the Tigers will at least hear offers on the pitcher, and with good reason. There is no doubt his agent, Scott Boras, will take him into free agency after the 2026 season in search of the biggest contract for a pitcher ever. It makes sense for Detroit to at least listen to potential trade packages.
However, the Tigers also aren’t that far off from possibly winning their first championship since 1984. A big reason why they can even have such thoughts is because they have what Sherman calls “the best pitcher on the planet.” In his opinion, unless they get an offer that is “Overwhelming and on steroids” they would be better off seeing how the season plays out, then trade him before the deadline and get close to or just as good an offer as they would this winter.
Tarik Skubal stats: 13-6 Record, 2.21 ERA, 0.891 WHIP, 241 SO, 33 BB
Second, there is a history of teams trading elite pitchers and rarely getting returns that were worth it over time. Sherman specifically cited the Kansas City Royals‘ and what became a disappointing return for Zack Greinke in 2010 as an example. He believes Detroit will consider how realistic it will be that the prospects they get for the superstar hurler will actually become future stars.
Lastly, Sherman made the point that losing Skubal is a massive loss for Detroit. For the pain it will cause, the team that acquires him must be badly hurt in the deal as well. That means, in the case of the Mets, giving up all of the best of the best prospects in the organization, including Nolan McLean. Will the Mets or any team do that for a rental, they will then have to get into a massive bidding war for after the season. Probably not.
