The postseason chase truly heats up right now, and MLB teams have one last shot to stock up on talent before the trade deadline on Monday, Aug. 3. Leading the charge for a potential blockbuster move? Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, a pending free agent who’s playing for a team that just doesn’t look like they’re making a third consecutive postseason appearance. Even after missing some time with an injury earlier this year, Skubal is still poised to bring back a massive haul for Detroit. While some attractive trade candidates, like Aroldis Chapman and Sonny Gray, might be off the market thanks to the Red Sox’ surge, contending teams are still feeling the pressure. They have to upgrade, no matter what, as that deadline looms.
Skubal: Two-Time Cy Young Winner on the Move?
This is where it gets spicy. Skubal, who’s already bagged two AL Cy Young Awards, has made it clear he prefers to stay in Detroit. But, honestly, that choice might not even be his. The Tigers are still facing an uphill battle for a postseason run, making a trade look more and more likely for their pending free agent. The good news? Skubal has totally squashed those early health concerns, coming back from an IL stint quicker than anyone expected in the first half of the season. Plus, the dude boasts a ridiculous 2.45 ERA over the last four seasons! He’s looking much more like himself lately. As a rental, he won’t command a totally backbreaking haul, but he’s still bringing major value back to the Tigers. Think about it: the Braves, Dodgers, and Brewers are all listed as best fits. Talk about leveling up a rotation!
Impact Bats and Veteran Arms Up For Grabs
Skubal isn’t the only big name floating around. Luis Arraez, the Giants’ second baseman, is almost certainly on the move. He’s on a one-year deal and the Giants are, let’s be real, headed nowhere fast this season. After a down year in San Diego, Arraez settled this offseason but has bounced back, hitting .320 with an OPS+ that rivals his best seasons to date. He doesn’t offer any power, but man, he can hit. The Rangers, Rays, and Yankees are all looking like good spots for him.
Then there’s Ryan Jeffers, the Twins catcher. Unless the Twins magically decide they can make a run, a trade for Jeffers is super likely as he heads toward free agency. The 29-year-old has a stellar .933 OPS across 44 games this season. He did miss significant time with a hamate bone injury, but he’s already mashed a pair of home runs since returning from the IL, proving that injury won’t slow him down. The Yankees, Pirates, and Red Sox would all love to have him.
And get this, Zach Neto, the Angels’ shortstop, could be a shocker. The Angels usually cling to players with team control, but with their GM Perry Minasian fired and temporary leadership in the front office, they’re reportedly willing to listen on Neto. The 25-year-old has struggled for contact this season, sure, but he’s coming off back-to-back 5-WAR seasons, has solid power, and is under team control through 2029 at a crucial position. The Red Sox, Braves, and Rays are eyeing him up.
Finally, let’s talk about Kevin Gausman, the Blue Jays’ starting pitcher. The Jays have gotten a ton out of Gausman over the past five seasons; he was one of baseball’s most reliable arms from 2021-24. But the harsh reality of their standings could make a move possible. The 35-year-old is a pending free agent, and even with an uncharacteristic 4.51 ERA across 21 appearances this season, teams will still be interested in his experience.
This deadline isn’t messing around, folks. Get ready for some wild days leading up to August 3, because the scramble to level up for that postseason chase is about to get real.
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