Tarik Skubal Rumors: Dodgers and Orioles engage with Tigers ahead of trade deadline
The Detroit Tigers are open to listening to any offers for starting pitcher Tarik Skubal before the trade deadline. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles have already made the move, as per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. They are already in the race to add the left-handed pitcher to their roster going into the second half of the season.
As of now, the Tigers trading Skubal looks unlikely, but according to Nigthengale, Detroit has told teams that it would do a deal if the offer is tempting enough.
The Orioles are currently leading the American League, and Nightengale believes adding Tarik Skubal to their starting rotation would strengthen their bid to be serious World Series contenders.
"Certainly, the Orioles have the talented prospects to pull off a deal, centering around Jackson Holliday, and may become the World Series favorites if they acquire Skubal to team with Corbin Burnes at the top of the rotation," Nightengale wrote.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are looking for insurance as their starting rotation has taken a significant hit this season with injuries to Walker Buehler, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, and Tyler Glasnow.
The Tigers are currently weighing their options for trading for Tarik Skubal before announcing anything rash.
Thus far this season, he has a 10-3 record with a 2.41 ERA, 140 strikeouts against 21 walks in 116 innings.
Tarik Skubal remains indifferent amid trade rumors distraction
The 27-year-old hurler, a leading contender for the American League Cy Young Award, finds himself amidst swirling rumors as the July 30 trade deadline approaches. Despite his team's precarious playoff position, Skubal remains focused on delivering dominant performances for the Tigers.
Skubal's recent All-Star Game appearance proved his resilience and exceptional talent further. His devastating changeup and fastball are a potent combination for any team in the major league, also making him a must-watch for any baseball fan.
But despite the speculation surrounding his future, Skubal believes that there's no point worrying about it since any trade decision is out of his hands.
“I have no say in it, so what's the point?” Skubal told Fox Sports' Rowan Kavner.
However, with the Tigers currently seven games out of a Wild Card spot, the organization is faced with an important question. Should they build around their young star or capitalize on his impressive value through a trade?
Meanwhile, Tarik Skubal wants to keep himself focused on doing his job for Detroit.
“It crossing your mind can sometimes deter what you're trying to do,” he said. “But you just can't let it get to you. Then, just keep doing your job. My job is to go out there and put my team in a position to win.”
In his first start back from the All-Star break, Skubal will be on the mound on Monday to take on Carlos Carrasco of the Cleveland Guardians.