Jason Burgos
A new report suggests the New York Mets could complete a blockbuster trade for superstar pitcher Tarik Skubal without giving up stud prospects Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong.
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 available this winter.
There have been a boatload of rumblings that the Detroit Tigers could listen to offers on Cy Young candidate Tarik Skubal. He is in the final year of his rookie contract, and agent Scott Boras has every intention of taking him into free agency to get the biggest contract ever for a pitcher. If he is available, the Mets will undoubtedly be a contender.
However, for such an elite player, it seems likely McLean and/or Tong would have to be included in any trade package. However, Mets reporter and frequent Baseball Night in New York guest Elizabeth Benn explained why Sproat can be the only elite pitching prospect added to the deal.
Potential New York Mets trade for Tarik Skubal
- Detroit Tigers Get: Brandon Sproat, Jett Williams, Ryan Clifford, and Nick Morabito
- New York Mets Get: Tarik Skubal
“Sproat is a major league-ready pitcher, Williams could start in the major leagues next year, Clifford’s almost there, and Morabito is a Rule-5 [prospect] but also brings value, and it’s a really good mix of guys the Tigers might be interested in, but also you’re not giving up McLean,” Benn said. “And the reason you’re not is you’re getting Skubal for one year.”
It’s a fair point. Skubal will be a rental because there are no guarantees they will be able to re-sign him after the 2026 season. It doesn’t make sense to give up all of their top prospects in such a risky scenario. In Benn’s trade, the club is giving up three top 10 prospects and the No. 16 on MLB.com’s rankings. It does seem like a solid starting point for a player who will likely get paid $20 million for next season via arbitration.
The Athletic’s Mets reporter, Will Sammon, was on the panel and felt that it wouldn’t be enough. He believes a deal would still require Tong (4th overall prospect) and outfielder Carson Benge (2nd overall) to get a deal done. Maybe meeting in the middle and adding Benge could complete a trade this offseason.
