The Boston Red Sox are prioritizing upgrades to their starting rotation this offseason and may be more inclined to trade for an arm than to sign one, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden. One possible target is Detroit Tigers ace, whose contract situation could make him available.
Reports indicate that top star and the Tigers remain far apart in extension talks. With free agency looming after next season, Detroit could consider trading him rather than risk losing him for nothing. ESPN’s Buster Olney noted that Boston is in a strong position to pursue him, writing,
“The Red Sox are well-positioned to make a run at Skubal, if they want. The only sure thing in this situation, it seems, is that Skubal will not sign a long-term deal with Detroit before he reaches free agency, and that will frame the Tigers’ decision-making.”
Dealing Skubal could net the Tigers a significant return of young talent. However, any team trading for him would also need to prepare for a massive long-term financial commitment. ESPN’s Jeff Passan projected back in May that Skubal’s next contract could exceed $400 million.
Skubal, last year’s American League Cy Young winner, is once again a finalist—and the favorite—for the award this season. If Boston managed to land him, pairing him with fellow finalist Garrett Crochet would give the Red Sox two of the league’s premier pitchers.
