Tarik Skubal Trade Update: Dodgers and Orioles both interested in Tigers pitcher and are 'gearing up' to make blockbuster offer before trade deadline
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles might be going after the same name ahead of the trade deadline. Detroit Tigers left-handed ace Tarik Skubal is reportedly on the top of both teams' shopping lists.
As per recent reports, the Dodgers and Orioles are quite interested in making an offer to Tigers President of Baseball Operation Scott Harris. However, it is not confirmed whether Harris is open to moving Skubal, but the big purses of both teams could make this trade possible.
It's not a common trend to trade aces, more so when Skubal would have two years of team control still left after this season. Notably, the Detroit Tigers are facing a deficiency of impact hitters on the roster. However, it's still skeptical if Harris would trade Skubal.
As per Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci, the decision to move Skubal to the Orioles or Dodgers stands on two main factors:
"One, how soon does he believe the Tigers can contend for a championship with the talent they have on hand? And two, how tempting do the packages get from Los Angeles and Baltimore?" Verducci said.
Tarik Skubal dominates as a reliever at 2024 All-Star game
Skubal seemed to have arrived at the 2024 All-Star Game with aspirations for the Cy Young Award. Despite leading the American League in several pitching categories in the past, the starting nod went to the Orioles' Corbin Burnes.
So, Skubal entered the game in the second inning and established his dominance. Skubal retired three All-Star caliber hitters on a mere 10 pitches, seven of them strikes. This performance silenced any doubts looming about his All-Star selection:
"Obviously, I wanted to start the game," Skubal told USA TODAY Sports' Gabe Lacques in the AL clubhouse before Tuesday's game. "I think that'd be a ton of fun and a great honor, but I don't make that decision, and that's that."
Skubal had good variations throughout his 10 pitches. He threw two fastballs, two changeups, two sinkers, and four sliders. The velocity was comparatively slow, as his fastballs only averaged around 95.5 mph.
However, Skubal did not disappoint and showcased why he's currently the top prospect for the Dodgers and Orioles for their trade option. In 116 innings pitched this season, Skubal has struck out 140 players and walked only 21 of them. Also, he is one of the rare pitchers who hold the command of the swing-and-miss tactic in the zone.
Who do you think should sign Tarik Skubal ahead of the trade deadline, the Dodgers or Orioles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.