3 Dream Red Sox Trade Deadline Targets
By Ryan Bunton
2. Tarik Skubal, SP, Detroit Tigers
Skubal, a 27-year-old southpaw, has been absolutely dominant this season for Detroit. On a sub-.500 team, Skubal has posted an 11-3 record; while ranking second in ERA, second in WHIP, and fourth in opponents batting average among qualified pitchers. He has also punched out 146 batters, the third-highest total in baseball.
The rotation isn't at the top of Boston's wishlist at the trade deadline, but players like Skubal aren't often available on the trade block in the prime of their career and with significant team control remaining.
Skubal is under team control for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The hope is that Skubal and current Red Sox starter Tanner Houck could form a formidable pairing at the top of the rotation that would argue for one of the best 1-2's in MLB. Houck ranks up there with Skubal in the top five of several statistical categories, including ERA.
Tarik Skubal, 85mph Changeup (Swinging Strike/low) and 98mph Fastball (backwards K), Individual Pitches + Overlay.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 13, 2024
Why you'd take that fastball that was fairly middle-middle. Because it looked like the changeup/ball you just swung at. pic.twitter.com/OVVCOl5ae1
A Skubal trade wouldn't be your run of the mill deadline rental trade, it would be made with a longer-term view. Boston's front office has operated through the lens of a multi-year rebuild, so Breslow and Co. could be persuaded to sacrifice more trade capital than they would be willing to for a shorter-term rental.
If they are serious about Skubal, they might not have a choice. Given his age and contract situation, Skubal's asking price will likely be astronomical.
The Dodgers and Orioles are expected to be in on the Skubal sweepstakes, with the Tigers reportedly on the road scouting some of Baltimore's top prospects.