The conversation surrounding Tarik Skubal and the Dodgers might have led some Detroit Tigers fans to overlook another potential contender for his services. Even if Skubal is still donning the iconic Old English D when the season kicks off, the Tigers will remain in a precarious position until the trade deadline approaches in late July. Unless the team decides to extend his contract—which seems unlikely—there are two significant concerns that will shadow the entire season: the possibility of a trade and the looming threat of his departure via free agency.
Among the usual suspects vying for talent, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been the most frequently mentioned team linked to Skubal. This includes other notable teams like the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and perhaps even the Philadelphia Phillies. However, as reports indicate, the buzz around a potential deal has quieted down, with SportsNet LA's insider David Vassegh expressing confidence that no transaction will take place this offseason. This news might bring a sigh of relief to some, but the reality is more complex.
The presence of the Dodgers in any negotiation is so formidable that it can easily overshadow other interested parties. Recent insights from Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reveal that the Mets are still lingering in the background. Their offseason has been nothing short of dramatic and oddly entertaining, almost to the point of schadenfreude for outsiders watching closely. Yet, there is a strong belief that they are biding their time, preparing to make a strategic move that could alter their fortunes. This might involve signing a player like Kyle Tucker, potentially at an inflated price, or it could still involve trading for Skubal.
Interestingly, despite the diminishing chatter about the Dodgers and Tigers, the Mets are maintaining their interest in Skubal. New York recently lost several long-standing contributors to their roster in quick succession: Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Rangers, Edwin Díaz moved to the Dodgers, Pete Alonso joined the Orioles, and Jeff McNeil went to the Athletics. Despite these losses, owner Steve Cohen assured fans on Twitter that the Mets’ payroll for 2026 would resemble that of 2025.
The trade involving Nimmo and Marcus Semien ended up being fairly neutral in terms of payroll, and while they sent some funds with McNeil to Oakland, the departures of Díaz and Alonso free up considerable financial resources for president of baseball operations David Stearns to fulfill Cohen's commitment.
Players like Nimmo or McNeil could have served as key components in a trade package for Skubal, which would certainly require at least two players who can make an immediate impact. Nevertheless, the Mets still possess valuable assets that the Tigers could leverage. They have previously shown interest in players like Brett Baty, and their prospect system is robust, featuring several top-tier talents waiting in the wings.
At this stage of the offseason, the Mets appear somewhat disorganized; although Stearns is recognized for his astuteness, he seems to be operating without a clear direction. This uncertainty may mean that the ongoing discussions about a possible Skubal trade are little more than a public relations tactic designed to give fans a sliver of hope.
While Mets supporters may find optimism in these developments, Tigers fans are left grappling with anxiety. Such is the landscape of today’s baseball world.
