Happy Wednesday, everyone! It’s a day that ends in Y, which means we’ve got some Tarik Skubal trade speculation to talk about, though all signs seem to point to Skubal sticking around through at least the start of the year, if not right up to his free agency. Still, we love an offseason rumor, so we’re sharing it with you.
We also take a look at some World Baseball Classic drama (Carlos Correa will miss it, Bo Bichette has backed out of Team Brazil), and Aaron Judge is a repeat cover star.
Let’s just
get right into the highlights of the day.
Detroit Tigers News
- Kevin McGonigle ranks number two on ESPN’s top 100 prospects list, where Kiley McDaniel sums him up as, “[An] incredible hitter with real baserunning/defensive value.”
- Jim Bowden still thinks there’s a chance Tarik Skubal could be traded before Opening Day, saying:
Detroit would still like to sign him to a long-term contract but it’s difficult to see that happening with how far apart both sides are on a deal. The Tigers have listened to trade offers and at least talked about the “ballpark” parameters it would take to trade him. According to club sources, the asking price is so significant that it is unlikely a trade happens unless Detroit lowers its sights significantly.
So, where do the Tigers go from here? They could continue to try to extend him, keeping in mind what this year’s free-agent class has done to the market. If Kyle Tucker is worth $60 million per year, what would Skubal get on a comparable four-year deal? $70 million per year?
I’ve also been told by some rival executives that they think it makes more sense to wait until Skubal is a free agent rather than emptying their farm system for just one year of his services. At this point, Detroit could trade him now, or wait until the trade deadline when the return would be less, or do what the Angels did with Shohei Ohtani and wait until he leaves in free agency and get just draft pick compensation for him.
- It’s rumor mill season!!
AL Central News
- The Guardians have locked down the face of their franchise and Jose Ramirez will be in Cleveland for the long haul.
- The White Sox have signed Seranthony Dominguez.
- The Twins have avoided arbitration with Joe Ryan, coming to terms on a deal.
MLB News
- Rick Rizzs, the long-time voice of the Mariners, has announced his retirement following the 2026 season.
- Carlos Correa won’t be participating in the World Baseball Classic after he failed to receive insurance. ($)
- Is this the most baseball town in America?
- The Mets are having an incredible offseason.
- Jay Jaffe tries to predict the next five years of Hall of Fame elections.
- Some players who could be poised to become breakout stars in 2026.
- Which teams won the offseason?
- What would a team made entirely of underrated players look like?
- Could Max Scherzer potentially wait until after Opening Day to sign with a new club?
- The nine best signings of the offseason.
- Did Yu Darvish announce his retirement? No, but if you’re confused, you’re not alone.
- Mookie Betts will be coaching the Celebrity All-Star Game.
- A bit disappointing for Team Brazil.
- Well this isn’t ideal…
- Aaron Judge can add “repeat cover star” to his growing resume. Funny, though, because just one day before this, they announced there would be no cover star.
- Nolan Arenado is officially on Team Puerto Rico.
