Could the New York Yankees aim to form a super rotation for the 2026 MLB season? One league insider has linked them to what would be the biggest trade of the offseason.

Since the Detroit Tigers saw their season come to an end in the American League Divisional Series for a second straight year, there have been rumblings that the organization will listen to offers on ace Tarik Skubal. While it would seem like a bad idea, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden recently explained why it is the club’s best long-term interest to see what they can get on the trade market for the star pitcher in the final year of his rookie deal.

Advertisement

“Skubal will reset the market for pitchers and become the highest-paid starting pitcher in history, with a realistic starting price north of $400 million,” Bowden wrote. “It’s unlikely the Tigers go there, and if that’s the case, they certainly can’t make the mistake of waiting until the trade deadline to deal him or letting him walk with minimal draft compensation next offseason.”

While crosstown rivals the New York Mets have been linked to the Skubal rumors in recent days because of their obvious need for a true ace at the top of the rotation, Bowden also expects the Yankees will be among the big market teams that will definitely inquire about his services.

It’s a surprising revelation since New York has a Cy Young candidate in Max Fried, will get Gerrit Cole back in 2026, and Carlos Rodon had a big bounce-back season in 2025. They certainly don’t need another elite pitcher in the rotation.

What would it cost the New York Yankees to make a Tarik Skubal trade?

After getting blasted through in four ALDS games by the Toronto Blue Jays, New York could take desperate measures to get back to the World Series next season. Having a super rotation led by Skubal, Fried, and Cole would certainly make them a favorite to get to the Series from the AL.

Advertisement

So what would it take to get a blockbuster trade done? Well, it is going to take an absurd amount of talent. New York Post MLB insider Joel Sherman recently suggested a trade for Skubal will need to hurt the team that gets him. Because losing him is a massive blow to the Tigers. Especially with him likely to win a second-straight Cy Young Award.

Yankees prospects George Lombard Jr. and Spencer Jones have long been viewed as untouchables in New York’s farm system. The top-five prospects are a lock to be included in a deal. As well as another top 20 prospect. It’s also possible Detroit asks for talented big league youngsters Ben Rice and/or Jazz Chisholm Jr. in a deal.

Related Headlines