Jason Burgos
An unexpected team has been added to the list of potential Tarik Skubal trade suitors this summer. And if they land the superstar pitcher, they would be a serious threat to reach the World Series in October.
This is far from the season the Detroit Tigers expected. Sure, they struggled in the final weeks last season and barely made the playoffs. But 2025 showed they had the pieces to be a playoff team, and in the offseason, management added to the roster. Including a move for former Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez. Yet, heading into the weekend, they are one of the worst teams in baseball.
After a seventh straight loss on Friday night, the Tigers’ record fell to 20-32, which ties them for the second worst in MLB. With their campaign spiraling to dark places, the Skubal trade speculation from the winter has unsurprisingly been reignited.
It would take a herculean turnaround to get back into playoff contention, so moving the two-time Cy Young winner with just a few months left on his contract is a must before this season’s trade deadline. Teams like the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, the Atlanta Braves, and even the Los Angeles Dodgers are likely to be contenders, based on where their record is in July.
Ken Rosenthal expects Tampa Bay Rays to pursue Tarik Skubal trade in July
However, a surprise team has been tossed into the conversation. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, he expects the American League-leading Tampa Bay Rays to be a player in the Skubal trade market. The long-time MLB insider noted that the club is always active on the market for big names before the deadline, and they thought they were very close on a Shohei Ohtani trade a few years ago.
Furthermore, he believes with new ownership running the show and plans for a new ballpark, “This seemingly would be the season to do it.”
The Rays have the second-best record in baseball at 34-15. They are one of the better hitting teams in the AL — first in average (.261) and stolen bases (53) — and their pitching staff has gotten off to a great start. Posting a 3.54 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. Both are second in the AL.
Adding the game’s best pitcher to that mix could potentially make the Rays a favorite to reach the World Series if they keep up this level of play the rest of the season.
