Is Tarik Skubal's future with the Detroit Tigers truly secure? Even if he's still pitching for the Tigers on Opening Day, the trade rumors won't disappear until the late July trade deadline. The looming possibility of a trade, or even a departure in free agency, casts a shadow over the entire season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been the most talked-about potential suitors for Skubal, but those rumors have quieted down. However, the Dodgers' shadow is so large that it's easy to overlook other teams in the mix.
But here's where it gets controversial... According to reports from Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the New York Mets are still lurking in the background. The Mets' offseason has been a rollercoaster, but they might be waiting for the right moment to make a significant move. This could involve signing Kyle Tucker, or even trading for Skubal.
The Mets have undergone some major roster changes, losing key players like Brandon Nimmo, Edwin Díaz, Pete Alonso, and Jeff McNeil. Despite these losses, owner Steve Cohen has stated that the Mets' payroll in 2026 will remain similar to that of 2025. The Nimmo-Marcus Semien trade was essentially a wash in terms of payroll, and while they did send money with McNeil, the departure of Díaz and Alonso frees up funds.
And this is the part most people miss... The Mets could have potentially included either Nimmo or McNeil in a trade for Skubal, which would likely require at least two impact players. The Mets still have valuable assets that the Tigers could consider. They've previously shown interest in Brett Baty, and their prospect pipeline is strong.
The Mets' actions this offseason might seem chaotic, but it could all be a strategic move to keep the Tigers engaged in trade talks. This might offer Mets fans a glimmer of hope. However, for Tigers fans, it's a source of anxiety.
What do you think? Are the Mets a real threat to the Tigers' chances of keeping Skubal? Do you believe the Mets are truly interested, or is this just a smokescreen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
