The MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching on July 30, and teams are scrambling to fine-tune their rosters for the final push of the season. Among the names garnering significant interest is Detroit Tigers' left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal, who is attracting attention from the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles.
Interest in Tarik Skubal
Skubal, who is 27 years old, has been a standout performer this season. He leads all pitchers in both ERA and WAR, showcasing his dominance on the mound. With 140 strikeouts over 116 innings pitched this year, Skubal has solidified his reputation as a reliable and potent force in the Tigers' rotation.
Since returning from a flexor injury last summer, Skubal has accumulated 196 1/3 innings, maintaining an impressive 2.57 ERA and recording 242 strikeouts. His performance has not only drawn attention but has also made him a coveted asset for teams looking to bolster their pitching staff during the playoff push.
Despite the interest from the Dodgers and Orioles, there is no indication that the Tigers are actively seeking to trade Skubal. The left-hander is under team control until after the 2026 season, providing the Tigers with several more years of potential top-tier pitching. Nevertheless, both the Dodgers and Orioles are reportedly prepared to offer prospect-rich trade packages to acquire his services, signaling their readiness to compete at the highest levels.
Ryan McMahon Staying Put
Meanwhile, in Colorado, the Rockies' third baseman Ryan McMahon will remain with his team through the trade deadline. Rockies General Manager Bill Schmidt has assured McMahon that he won't be part of any deadline deals. McMahon, 29, expressed his feelings in a recent interview, stating, "We had a good talk. Talked about it and we came to the conclusion that I'm going to stay a Rockie."
McMahon is currently posting a solid slash line of .273/.350/.447 with 14 home runs this season. His offensive contributions, coupled with his exceptional defense at third base, make him a key player for the Rockies. However, with the team holding a 34-63 record and a minus-169 run differential, Colorado's chances of contending this season appear slim.
McMahon’s contract, which runs through 2027, suggests that the Rockies see him as a cornerstone for their future. By retaining him, the Rockies are indicating their faith in his abilities to contribute significantly as they look to rebuild and strengthen their roster for upcoming seasons.
As the trade deadline nears, the contrasting approaches of the Tigers and Rockies highlight different strategies adopted by teams based on their current situations. While the Tigers enjoy a luxury of a strong pitcher in Skubal and do not feel the urgency to trade him, the Rockies are steadfast in their decision to keep McMahon despite their struggles this season. The next few days will reveal if any last-minute surprises are in store as teams finalize their playoff rosters.