The New York Yankees, always the team linked to every big name in baseball whether it’s trades or free agency, are once again popping up in conversations around Tarik Skubal. But this time, it’s not about them being his top target. Nope, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel dropped a bombshell, revealing that MLB insiders aren’t even putting the Yankees in Skubal’s top-tier landing spots this offseason. Wild, right? It turns out the Bronx Bombers might just be Skubal’s “fallback” option if his dream deals elsewhere don’t pan out.
Who’s Really Chasing Skubal’s Big Deal?
McDaniel’s deep dive, a poll of various MLB insiders, pulled back the curtain on Skubal’s free-agent market. While the Yankees aren’t leading the pack, teams like the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are definitely in the top-tier conversation. Skubal’s clearly looking to “break the bank” this offseason, and those clubs typically open their wallets wide.
However, there are some wrinkles. The Mets might be leaning towards short-term, high AAV deals only. And the Dodgers? They’re facing some uncertainty with their ownership group. These situations could absolutely shake things up for Skubal’s agents. If those top-tier options aren’t quite what Skubal wants or can’t deliver, then the Yankees suddenly look a whole lot more appealing as that legitimate fallback.
Burnt Bridges and Backup Plans
Don’t count out a return to the Detroit Tigers either. That’s an option on the table, though the buzz is there might be some “burnt bridges” between Skubal and the Tigers’ front office. That kind of internal drama could easily push a player out the door, making other landing spots even more attractive.
Of course, a bunch of other teams are gonna get in on this, too. We’re talking about clubs like the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, San Diego Padres, and a few other top-tier teams desperate for starting pitching. But even with all those contenders, MLB insiders keep circling back to the Yankees as a legitimate Plan B. It might not be Skubal’s first choice, but a move to the Yankees is absolutely in play this offseason. This guy wants his money, and if the top dogs falter, the Yankees are ready to step up. This is going to be a fun one to watch unfold!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
Leave a Reply