MLB teams ranked for potential Tarik Skubal trade as deadline approaches

Analysts have evaluated every Major League Baseball club to gauge how likely they are to acquire Detroit Tigers right-hander Tarik Skubal before the trade deadline. Skubal, a back-to-back Cy Young Award winner who will become a free agent this winter, remains on Detroit’s roster at 50-57, keeping the Tigers in playoff contention.

The tiered rankings consider each team’s current record, farm-system strength, and roster needs. The Chicago Cubs are listed as the top potential destination, despite a modest farm system, because they lack an ace and have a strong win total. The Atlanta Braves rank second, with a struggling rotation that could benefit from Skubal alongside Chris Sale. The Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox follow, each evaluated for how an ace would complement existing pitching staffs.

Teams further down the list, such as the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics, are deemed unlikely suitors due to limited trade assets or poor fit. The analysis also notes that clubs like the Seattle Mariners and Cleveland Guardians missed earlier opportunities to strengthen their rotations.

Overall, the assessment suggests that while several clubs could improve with Skubal, only a handful have the combination of competitive standing and trade capital to realistically pursue the pitcher before the deadline.