Red Sox Should Steer Clear of High-Risk Trade for Tarik Skubal

As the 2026 MLB season quickly approaches, the Boston Red Sox are in a position to have one of the most formidable starting rotations in all of baseball—if health permits. However, despite the depth the team has amassed in its pitching staff, the Sox should refrain from making any risky trade that could throw off the balance of their carefully built roster. One such trade that Boston must avoid is the proposed 3-for-1 deal for Detroit Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal.

Red Sox Depth: A Pitching Staff to Rival the Best

The Red Sox have been diligent in building up their starting pitching rotation, stockpiling depth even when it seemed unnecessary. With the likes of Patrick Sandoval, Kutter Crawford, Kyle Harrison, Payton Tolle, and Connelly Early, the Red Sox have enough talent to withstand injuries without significantly weakening their overall pitching staff.

In fact, the team’s depth is so solid that it’s not hard to envision a scenario where they have the best rotation in baseball—if everyone stays healthy. And even if injuries occur, the team has plenty of options to step up and fill gaps. So, while adding a pitcher like Tarik Skubal might seem appealing on paper, it’s not a move the Red Sox should prioritize right now.

Tarik Skubal: A Star on the Move

Skubal, the two-time reigning Cy Young Award winner, has made waves in the MLB with his dominant performances on the mound. He’s one of the top pitchers in the league and would improve virtually any rotation. Skubal’s name has been floated in trade rumors for months, largely due to his looming free agency in 2026. While a pitcher of his caliber might seem like the perfect addition to any team, his expiring contract raises a few red flags for Boston.

According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer, Skubal’s trade value has led to speculation that the Red Sox could be one of the teams looking to acquire him. Rymer even proposed a hypothetical trade that would send three players from Boston to Detroit in exchange for the star pitcher. The trade, which would reportedly involve outfielder Jarren Duran, pitcher Brayan Bello, and top pitching prospect Liam Phillips, would give the Red Sox a one-year rental of Skubal—at a steep cost.

The Case Against the Trade

The idea of adding Skubal to an already deep pitching staff might seem tempting, but the Red Sox must resist this trade for several key reasons.

Firstly, one year of Skubal, no matter how great his talent is, doesn’t justify the steep price of giving up a potential All-Star outfielder, a young pitcher with massive upside, and a high-end prospect. Duran, who has shown flashes of brilliance, and Bello, who has untapped potential, are both integral pieces of Boston’s long-term plans. Their roles in the Red Sox’s future far outweigh the value of a single year with a pitcher who may not even be fully healthy.

Moreover, the volatility that comes with pitchers, especially those who have experienced injury problems in the past, makes this trade even riskier. Pitchers are notoriously unpredictable, and a high-profile trade like this could leave the Red Sox in a vulnerable position if Skubal were to get injured in 2026. In the event of an injury, Boston would be left with significant holes in its roster and precious assets would be lost in exchange for a short-term solution.

Boston’s Priorities Should Be Elsewhere

Rather than trading away valuable assets for a pitcher on a one-year rental, the Red Sox should focus on other areas that need immediate attention. The team is in need of another infielder to round out the roster and improve overall depth. The organization has made strong strides in bolstering its pitching staff, but the team’s infield is currently in need of reinforcements.

With the current roster, the Red Sox can afford to stay patient and wait for the right deal for a position player to emerge, rather than pulling the trigger on a trade that could backfire. Adding Skubal may make the team a little stronger in the short-term, but it doesn’t address the team’s immediate needs and it sacrifices potential long-term growth.

The Risks of Trading for Skubal: What Could Go Wrong?

One of the most compelling arguments against this trade is the potential for unforeseen consequences. Let’s assume the Red Sox give up their best assets in exchange for Skubal, a player who may have injury issues or could struggle to live up to his past Cy Young performances. What happens if Skubal doesn’t perform as expected, or worse, suffers an injury that derails his season?

At that point, Boston would not only be without their young talent, but they’d also be left with nothing to show for the trade. The team would have a depleted farm system and a pitching staff that doesn’t significantly improve. Worse still, they would have given up key players who could have contributed to future success. For a team that has playoff aspirations, this is a dangerous gamble.

The Bottom Line: Red Sox Must Stick to Their Plan

In conclusion, while the addition of Tarik Skubal would undoubtedly make the Red Sox’s rotation stronger in the short term, the price of this hypothetical 3-for-1 trade is simply too high. Boston is already well-positioned with a deep and talented pitching staff that should be more than capable of competing in 2026. The Red Sox should stay the course, focusing on adding depth in other areas like the infield, rather than surrendering valuable prospects and young talent for a pitcher who might not be around long enough to make a lasting impact.

The Red Sox should be cautious of the temptation to make a splashy trade that could potentially disrupt the team’s future. Instead, they must focus on building a balanced and sustainable roster that can compete for years to come. For now, ignoring this mock trade for Skubal is the best course of action. The team’s long-term success depends on it.