MLB rumors: This may be the secret to winning Tarik Skubal trade sweepstakes

With the baseball world wondering when the Detroit Tigers will trade Tarik Skubal ahead of the deadline on Monday, there could be a way for a team to get the upper hand on others in talks. As rumors surround Skubal with the trade deadline right around the corner, there’s no denying that the Tigers have needs to address.

Former general manager and current MLB Network analyst Jim Duquette spoke on “Foul Territory” and gave his viewpoint that Detroit is likely to value an offer more that includes a “high-end starting pitcher” that could produce immediately.

“What separates the teams to get Skubal versus not is going to be a high-end starting pitcher that can go into the rotation right now,” Duquette said. “So with Atlanta, if you want to include, maybe they don’t care for A.J. Smith-Shawver in the uncertainty with that just coming back from Tommy John. Maybe they want JR Ritchie instead.”

“The Brewers have Logan Henderson. I know the Brewers don’t want to give him up, but I mean, to get Tarik Skubal, they would do it,” Duquette continued. “The Dodgers have Emmet Sheehan. Whatever those pieces are to get Skubal, I think it’s going to have to include a starting pitcher that goes right into the rotation right away.”

Duquette would then emphasize how the “next best piece” in a package for Skubal would come from the minor leagues, further explaining how losing Skubal would have Detroit thinking they can ‘soften or mitigate’ the loss of the two-time AL Cy Young winner.

So far this season, Skubal has recorded a 2.79 ERA to go along with 116 strikeouts and a 7-5 record in starting 16 games, as it remains to be seen if or when the Tigers trade the 29-year-old ahead of Monday’s deadline.

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