Tarik Skubal has established himself as one of the best pitchers in the American League after a dominant season with the Detroit Tigers. However, the franchise is facing a difficult dilemma because the left-hander is in his final year of contract and is represented by Scott Boras, an agent known for avoiding extensions prior to free agency. That implies any attempt to retain him beyond 2026.
Despite the mutual affection between the pitcher and the city, the precedent for Detroit is clear and according to various analysts, there is no way the Tigers will match the amount Skubal would demand, so the situation is complicated. In addition, cases such as Justin Verlander or Max Scherzer ended with both pitchers leaving the franchise in search of better contracts.
Yankees: The most logical destination for Tarik Skubal according to MLB insiders
With uncertainty surrounding the future of the left-handed pitcher, several teams have already shown interest and the Yankees are among the leading candidates. Brian Cashman is looking for a piece to transform the rotation after a disappointing season and Skubal ticks all the boxes: youth, dominance and postseason presence
In addition, the Yankees could build an attractive package for Detroit, with infielder George Lombard Jr mentioned as a possible trade chip along with pitchers such as Luis Gil or Cam Schlittler. However, Sean McAdam warned that it would be a mistake to trade Skubal without the possibility of an extension: “any team that trades him this offseason deserves what they get”, but the Yankees would be willing to take that risk if the price is right.
Scott Boras complicates contract extension, but Yankees could repeat Juan Soto move
Scott Boras is a key factor in the equation. Known for maximizing the value of his players in free agency, his presence makes any attempt to sign Skubal to a long-term deal unlikely. McAdam recalled the Yankees’ failed attempt to re-sign Juan Soto, also a Boras client:
Skubal is represented by Scott Boras… the likelihood of a new team extending the left-handed ace’s contract is almost negligible
However, this time the context is different because the Yankees need to win now, after a 16-year World Series drought, so just as it did with Juan Soto, New York could see Skubal as the short-term solution with immediate impact, even without a renewal guarantee.
The opportunity to add one of the most dominant arms in the league for one season and strengthen their rotation alongside Gerrit Cole and possibly Max Fried is a gamble Cashman might be willing to make.
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