Good spot to discuss the disgusting reality of a 4-21 stretch likely writing the end of Skubal’s Tiger career.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic and 16 years of MLB GM experience breaks down 7 possible destinations/packages. (Paywall but it’s a great subscription)
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have a deep farm system, which would make it easier for them to offer the Tigers a premium prospect package without decimating their minor-league depth. The Dodgers are especially deep in outfield prospects, and the Tigers could insist on one of their top ones among the group of Zyhir Hope, Josue De Paula, Eduardo Quintero, James Tibbs III and Mike Sirota, and then combine that with one of their major-league starting pitchers in Emmet Sheehan or Justin Wrobleski.
Justin Wrobleski would slide right into the Tigers’ rotation if he were part of a Tarik Skubal trade.Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images
If the Dodgers balk at offering either Sheehan or Wrobleski, the Tigers could pivot and ask for one of their top starting pitching prospects instead, like River Ryan or Christian Zazueta. One of those four pitchers with one of those outfielders would be pretty close to what a realistic return would look like, although the Dodgers would probably have to throw in a third player, like right-hander Brady Smith, to close the deal.
3. Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are in position to offer a mix of major-league-ready talent and minor-league prospects. They could offer infielder Matt Shaw, outfielder Kevin Alcántara and right-hander Dominick Reid.
Shaw presently is in a utility role with the Cubs but profiles as an everyday player with second base being his best position. He can also play third or an outfield corner, and we all know how much Tigers manager A.J. Hinch loves positional flexibility. Alcántara could compete for playing time in right field for the Tigers, while Reid gives them another top pitching prospect for their pipeline
7. Toronto Blue Jays
I think the Blue Jays would have a difficult time winning the Skubal sweepstakes unless they included shortstop JoJo Parker, their top position player prospect, and either left-hander Johnny King or both right-handers Gage Stanifer and Nolan Perry. Shortstop Arjun Nimmala could also come up in conversations. However, the Blue Jays might just pay the price, knowing how close they came to winning the World Series last year and how Skubal would really improve their chances this year.