Trade Deadline Approaches as Skubal, Miller and Abrams Generate Rumor Activity
With the MLB trade deadline less than a week away, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, San Diego’s Mason Miller and Washington’s CJ Abrams are among the players linked to possible deals, while several teams scout for pitching and shortstop help.
The MLB trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 3, and speculation is intensifying around several high-profile players. Detroit, sitting four games out of the AL wild-card spot after three consecutive losses, may become a seller, putting two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal on the market. The Athletic reports that multiple clubs, including the Rays, Brewers, Braves, Yankees and Dodgers, are expected to contact the Tigers about a potential trade. Skubal is 7-5 with a 2.70 ERA and a 3.0 WAR this season, having returned from elbow surgery earlier in the year.
San Diego could consider moving All-Star closer Mason Miller to address a thin rotation, according to ESPN. Miller has a perfect 27-for-27 save record, a 0.82 ERA and is under team control through 2029, while the Padres’ bullpen features several reliable arms. The trade would aim to acquire one or more starting pitchers to bolster the club’s pitching depth.
Washington’s shortstop CJ Abrams is also attracting interest, with some teams viewing him as a potential second baseman or center fielder. Abrams is batting .295 with 27 home runs, an MLB-best 82 RBI and 4.4 WAR this season and remains under contract for two more years.
Other notable rumors include the Boston Red Sox seeking shortstop help after injuries to Trevor Story and Tsung-Che Chang, the New York Mets retaining catcher Luis Torrens despite interest from Chicago, and both Chicago clubs monitoring Angels left-hander Reid Detmers. The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly eyeing Mets pitcher Freddy Peralta and Angels shortstop Zach Neto as possible upgrades.
"Multiple teams planned to reach out" to Detroit about Skubal, according to The Athletic.
"Miller is arguably the best reliever in baseball" and could be traded for starting pitching, ESPN noted.
"Abrams is still a beast" with a .295 average and 27 homers, ESPN reported.
These developments underscore the heightened activity as clubs position themselves for the final week before the deadline.