Here is the latest news and buzz surrounding Tigers ace Tarik Skubal and his chances of getting traded to the Mets…
Dec. 12, 1:12 p.m.
The Mets are “debating now whether to go all-in” while attempting to trade for Skubal or to wait until next offseason, when he could be available via free agency, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
Heyman also noted what has long been believed — that New York views Nolan McLean as “off limits.”
Even without including McLean, the Mets are set up well to pique the Tigers’ interest.
Top pitching prospects Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat, and infielder/outfielder Jett Williams are among the prospects the Mets could potentially dangle.
As far as big league players, SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino has reported that the Tigers like Brett Baty.
Regarding other potential fits for Skubal, the Dodgers — who are reportedly willing to trade Tyler Glasnow — could be one. In addition to excess starting pitching, Los Angeles has highly thought of farm system.
Dec. 8, 10:45 p.m.
Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris did not shut down rumors that Detroit is open to discussing Skubal with interested teams.
“I’ve been pretty clear since I’ve been here,” Harris said at the Winter Meetings in Orlando. “I don’t believe in untouchables at any level. So anyone in our organization, at any level. It’s not a commentary on Tarik specifically. Sort of a blanket team-building approach. I think I can’t do my job without listening.
“I can’t do my job without exploring anything that may or may not have legs. Some are maybe very likely moves, and some are going to be extremely unlikely. But you can’t actually fully vet those opportunities unless you are willing to listen. So that’s how we’re doing it.”
ESPN’s Buster Olney recently reported that the Tigers would “continue to be engaged” with teams interested in acquiring the ace, and that the asking price would be “enormous.”
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