Overview
- Rival executives told reporters they expect the bidding for Tarik Skubal to narrow to four teams: the Yankees, Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays.
- Skubal recently had a procedure to remove a loose body from his elbow and has already thrown symptom-free bullpen sessions, which teams view as encouraging for midseason availability.
- Detroit’s slide in the standings makes the Tigers likely to field offers before the August 3 trade deadline and to demand premium, prospect-heavy returns.
- The Yankees are seen as a credible bidder because they can offer high-end prospects and pitching assets such as George Lombard Jr., Carlos Lagrange, and Elmer Rodriguez.
- Any acquisition would carry rental risk because Skubal is a free agent after the season, so teams must weigh giving up long-term prospects against the chance to boost immediate postseason odds.