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Trade Market Heats Up as Astros, Orioles Make Moves and Tigers Gauge Tarik Skubal's Value
With just two weeks remaining before the trade deadline, front offices around baseball have shifted into overdrive. Several contenders made significant additions over the All-Star break, while perhaps the biggest storyline of all emerged from Detroit, where the first-place Tigers have reportedly begun listening to offers for ace Tarik Skubal, the most coveted potential trade chip on the market. Whether Detroit ultimately moves the impending free agent remains to be seen, but the mere possibility has sent shockwaves throughout baseball.
Astros Continue To Add
The Houston Astros have made it clear they intend to defend their American League West crown. After acquiring Chris Sale earlier this month, Houston struck again, trading three prospects to the Tampa Bay Rays for second baseman Brandon Lowe. The move gives the Astros another middle-of-the-order left-handed bat while strengthening a team that had already become considerably more dangerous following the addition of Sale. For the Angels, the message couldn't be clearer. Houston isn't content with a 5˝-game division lead.
Orioles Add Another High-Leverage Arm
Baseball's best team also continued improving. The Baltimore Orioles acquired left-handed reliever Adrián Morejón from the Padres in exchange for prospect Enrique Bradford, adding another quality bullpen arm to a club that entered the break with the majors' best record at 60-37. The Orioles already possessed one of baseball's deepest rosters. By adding another power left-hander capable of pitching late innings, Baltimore addressed one of the few remaining areas where additional depth could prove valuable during October. It's another reminder that even elite clubs aren't standing still.
The Skubal Sweepstakes?
While Houston and Baltimore completed deals, the biggest conversations throughout the industry centered on Detroit. According to multiple executives around baseball, the Tigers are listening to offers for Tarik Skubal, who is scheduled to become a free agent following the season.
The timing is surprising. Detroit enters the second half atop the American League Central at 51-46, holding a four-game lead over Kansas City. Trading the reigning ace of a division leader would represent one of the boldest deadline decisions in recent memory. But the Tigers also face an uncomfortable reality. If they believe they cannot re-sign Skubal this winter, his value may never be higher. A healthy Skubal is the type of pitcher who can transform a championship race overnight. Any acquiring club would be adding one of baseball's premier left-handed starters for the stretch run and postseason. That reality means Detroit's asking price is expected to be enormous. Industry executives believe any package would almost certainly begin with multiple Top 100 prospects and likely require additional young major league talent. Only a handful of organizations possess both the prospect depth and the willingness to meet that cost.
What It Means for the Angels
The Angels have already completed much of their deadline work. General manager Andy Cardinal addressed the rotation by acquiring Brayan Bello, while also strengthening the bullpen with Dylan Lee and Mason Montgomery. Those moves came in response to José Soriano's elbow injury and an inconsistent relief corps during the first half. Still, as other contenders continue to improve, the pressure to keep pace only grows.
Philadelphia has added Joe Ryan and Edward Cabrera.
Houston has added Chris Sale and Brandon Lowe.
Baltimore has strengthened both its lineup and bullpen.
The Cubs landed Shea Langeliers.
Atlanta reinforced its relief corps with Scott Barlow.
And now the possibility of Tarik Skubal becoming available threatens to reshape the entire market.
At 50-47, the Angels remain firmly in the playoff conversation. The question over the next two weeks isn't whether contenders will continue making moves. It's whether the Angels decide one more addition is necessary before the deadline arrives.
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