{"id":130745,"date":"2025-12-15T07:52:29","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T07:52:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=130745"},"modified":"2025-12-15T07:52:29","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T07:52:29","slug":"report-ranking-the-top-suitors-for-tarik-skubals-trade-and-exploring-what-it-could-mean-for-competitive-balance-as-the-orioles-moves-might-shake-up-the-league-and-spark-debates-amo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=130745","title":{"rendered":"Report: Ranking the top suitors for Tarik Skubal\u2019s trade and exploring what it could mean for competitive balance, as the Orioles\u2019 moves might shake up the league and spark debates among fans about how parity in baseball could be affected this season"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"relative z-10\">\n<div class=\"article-intro mb-4 text-black font-group-large md:font-group-normal lg:font-group-large !mb-2.5 md:mb-5\">The Dodgers loom large in the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes, but other teams can prevent a baseball apocalypse.<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"mb-0 md:mb-9 relative md:mx-10 md:mb-9\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_48,w_5747,h_3232\/c_fill,w_360,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf4t81tg1s98tjdw4.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_48,w_5747,h_3232\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf4t81tg1s98tjdw4.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_48,w_5747,h_3232\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf4t81tg1s98tjdw4.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_48,w_5747,h_3232\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf4t81tg1s98tjdw4.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_48,w_5747,h_3232\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf4t81tg1s98tjdw4.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_48,w_5747,h_3232\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf4t81tg1s98tjdw4.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_48,w_5747,h_3232\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf4t81tg1s98tjdw4.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_48,w_5747,h_3232\/c_fill,w_2160,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf4t81tg1s98tjdw4.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_48,w_5747,h_3232\/c_fill,w_2160,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf4t81tg1s98tjdw4.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Detroit Tigers v Baltimore Orioles\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_48,w_5747,h_3232\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/229\/01kcf4t81tg1s98tjdw4.jpg\" alt=\"Detroit Tigers v Baltimore Orioles\" width=\"5747\" height=\"3232\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Detroit Tigers v Baltimore Orioles\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 ml-1 pb-2 mt-4 md:m-3 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 ml-1 pb-2 mt-4 md:m-3 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>Detroit Tigers v Baltimore Orioles | G Fiume\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"flex flex-wrap justify-center lg:justify-normal\">\n<div class=\"flex lg:mr-4 lg:w-[calc(70%-3em)] max-w-full\"><main class=\"min-w-0 flex-1 odesa-article-main\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"viewablity-block\">\n<div class=\"article-content [&amp;_p]:leading-[30px] [&amp;_p]:md:leading-[28px] [&amp;_li]:leading-[30px] [&amp;_li]:md:leading-[28px]\">\n<p>The\u00a0Detroit Tigers\u00a0are mulling over potential Tarik Skubal trades as the two-time AL Cy Young winner enters\u00a0the final year of his contract.<\/p>\n<p>While Detroit\u00a0plainly prefers\u00a0to keep Skubal and compete for a World Series crown, the odds of him re-signing for 2027 and beyond are\u00a0virtually zilch.<\/p>\n<p>The Tigers risk losing him for nothing, and their World Series outlook isn&#8217;t exactly strong enough to negate such a risk.<\/p>\n<p>There is\u00a0plenty of smoke\u00a0connecting Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers, as the depth of their farm system \u2014 and the breadth of their bank account \u2014 makes them an\u00a0easy trade partner.<\/p>\n<p>For the sake of parity in MLB, however, fans ought to hope one of these other teams can outbid L.A. in the end.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-2\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">8. Chicago Cubs<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5mh7d4h7awakrnw.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5mh7d4h7awakrnw.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5mh7d4h7awakrnw.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5mh7d4h7awakrnw.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5mh7d4h7awakrnw.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5mh7d4h7awakrnw.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5mh7d4h7awakrnw.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5mh7d4h7awakrnw.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5mh7d4h7awakrnw.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Shota Imanaga\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/229\/01kcf5mh7d4h7awakrnw.jpg\" alt=\"Shota Imanaga\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Shota Imanaga\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>Division Series &#8211; Chicago Cubs v Milwaukee Brewers &#8211; Game Two | Michael Reaves\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"inline-text-4\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">The\u00a0Chicago Cubs\u00a0certainly have the prospect capital to pique Detroit&#8217;s interest, from MLB-ready hitters like Owen Caissie, Mois\u00e9s Ballesteros and Kevin Alc\u00e1tara, to young pitchers like Jaxon Wiggins and Cade Horton.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">But can Chicago responsibly engage in another high-profile rental after the\u00a0Kyle Tucker saga? That&#8217;s up for debate.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-5\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">Skubal absolutely moves the needle for Chicago, a team equipped with a future MVP candidate in Pete Crow-Armstrong and a deep reserve of high-level defenders.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">The Cubs just need a frontline ace to elevate the rotation in front of Justin Steele, Sh\u014dta Imanaga and Matthew Boyd. Skubal gets the job done. But the offense will regress sans Tucker and Skubal almost certainly won&#8217;t re-sign given Jed Hoyer&#8217;s track record.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-6\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">7. Philadelphia Phillies<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5p0tf2ahcmsmwh1.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5p0tf2ahcmsmwh1.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5p0tf2ahcmsmwh1.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5p0tf2ahcmsmwh1.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5p0tf2ahcmsmwh1.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5p0tf2ahcmsmwh1.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5p0tf2ahcmsmwh1.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5p0tf2ahcmsmwh1.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf5p0tf2ahcmsmwh1.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Cristopher Sanchez\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/229\/01kcf5p0tf2ahcmsmwh1.jpg\" alt=\"Cristopher Sanchez\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Cristopher Sanchez\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>Division Series &#8211; Los Angeles Dodgers v Philadelphia Phillies &#8211; Game One | Hunter Martin\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"inline-text-8\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\">The\u00a0Philadelphia Phillies\u00a0might need to sacrifice\u00a0both of their top prospects\u00a0\u2014 right-handed pitcher Andrew Painter and middle infielder Aidan Miller \u2014 to mount a competitive offer.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\">That&#8217;s a huge risk considering the\u00a0lack of MLB-ready talent\u00a0in Philadelphia&#8217;s pipeline and Skubal&#8217;s impending free agency. Dave Dombrowski doesn&#8217;t shy away from massive long-term investments, but $400 million-plus for a pitcher requires clearing a whole new bar.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-9\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">That said, Dombrowski puts great value on high-level pitching and the Phillies immediately become Los Angeles&#8217; greatest challenger in the National League with a five-man rotation of Skubal, Cristopher S\u00e1nchez, Zack Wheeler, Jes\u00fas Luzardo and Aaron Nola. If there is any internal confidence in their ability to re-sign Skubal, the Phillies need to explore their options.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-10\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">6. Toronto Blue Jays<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6wddz822d862ycr.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6wddz822d862ycr.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6wddz822d862ycr.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6wddz822d862ycr.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6wddz822d862ycr.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6wddz822d862ycr.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6wddz822d862ycr.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6wddz822d862ycr.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6wddz822d862ycr.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Trey Yesavage\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/229\/01kcf6wddz822d862ycr.jpg\" alt=\"Trey Yesavage\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Trey Yesavage\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>World Series &#8211; Toronto Blue Jays v Los Angeles Dodgers &#8211; Game 5 | Daniel Shirey\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"inline-text-12\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\">The\u00a0Toronto Blue Jays\u00a0dolled out $277 million between Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers \u2014 and there&#8217;s no indication that Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker are off the table.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\">An unexpected AL pennant has given Ross Atkins\u00a0ground to stand on\u00a0in free agency. He&#8217;s translating his longstanding ambition into actual results.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-13\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">Toronto could take things up a notch with a Skubal trade. Re-signing him is no guarantee, but Toronto is an appealing market and Skubal can hardly ask for a better supporting cast, especially if he&#8217;s even slightly disinclined to form the Baseball Avengers in LA.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">If he wants a real challenge and to compete with a sustainable winning core, the Jays are a dream landing spot.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-15\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">5. New York Yankees<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6xdnjt0xfdssy3p.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6xdnjt0xfdssy3p.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6xdnjt0xfdssy3p.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6xdnjt0xfdssy3p.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6xdnjt0xfdssy3p.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6xdnjt0xfdssy3p.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6xdnjt0xfdssy3p.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6xdnjt0xfdssy3p.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf6xdnjt0xfdssy3p.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Max Fried\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/229\/01kcf6xdnjt0xfdssy3p.jpg\" alt=\"Max Fried\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Max Fried\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>Wild Card Series &#8211; Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees &#8211; Game One | Al Bello\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"inline-text-17\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">The\u00a0New York Yankees\u00a0have been\u00a0way too quiet\u00a0this offseason, but we can never count them out of a high-profile bidding war like this. Who knows Skubal&#8217;s thoughts on the NYC market, but the Yankees operate with a certain air of superiority rooted in over a century of baseball excellence.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">They have the money \u2014 and Skubal would drive plenty of ticket and merch sales in the Bronx, justifying a massive long-term extension in the offseason. Especially after whiffing on Juan Soto.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-18\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">Max Fried delivered on expectations last season and kept the Yankees afloat in lieu of Gerrit Cole, who should rejoin the rotation at some point in 2026. Cam Schlittler made a strong first impression in the postseason \u2014 and gives the Yankees a grade-A bargaining chip, should Skubal talks get serious. New York also has the hitting prospects (Spencer Jones? Jasson Dom\u00ednguez?) and the pitching development pipeline necessary to pique Detroit&#8217;s interest with a comprehensive return package.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-19\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">4. Baltimore Orioles<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7a85qq6y74hdcbh.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7a85qq6y74hdcbh.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7a85qq6y74hdcbh.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7a85qq6y74hdcbh.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7a85qq6y74hdcbh.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7a85qq6y74hdcbh.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7a85qq6y74hdcbh.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7a85qq6y74hdcbh.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7a85qq6y74hdcbh.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Trevor Rogers\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/229\/01kcf7a85qq6y74hdcbh.jpg\" alt=\"Trevor Rogers\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Trevor Rogers\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles | Brandon Sloter\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"inline-text-21\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\">The\u00a0Baltimore Orioles\u00a0made quite the statement with their signing of Pete Alonso to a\u00a0five-year, $155 million contract. The dam has finally broken on Baltimore spending like a real contender, and they might not be finished.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\">Framber Valdez, Michael King and other top free agent pitchers remain\u00a0connected to the O&#8217;s\u00a0in the rumor mill.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\" data-uw-rm-sr=\"\">And after mounting a serious, if ultimately unsuccessful bid to re-sign Corbin Burnes last winter, one has to wonder if the O&#8217;s get feisty enough to bid on Skubal.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-22\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">Even if it&#8217;s just a rental, Baltimore has the wealth of young hitters necessary to coax Detroit into a deal without completely destroying their own future.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">The likes of Samuel Basallo and Jackson Holliday probably stay off the table, but the O&#8217;s can pepper Detroit with the offensive firepower it so desperately needs and at least go all-out in 2026, with a roster that stacks up with the best in MLB.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-23\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">3. Boston Red Sox<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_983,h_655\/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7v8nqegjvqrmxsv.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_983,h_655\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7v8nqegjvqrmxsv.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_983,h_655\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7v8nqegjvqrmxsv.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_983,h_655\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7v8nqegjvqrmxsv.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_983,h_655\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7v8nqegjvqrmxsv.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_983,h_655\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7v8nqegjvqrmxsv.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_983,h_655\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7v8nqegjvqrmxsv.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_983,h_655\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7v8nqegjvqrmxsv.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_983,h_655\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf7v8nqegjvqrmxsv.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Connelly Early\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_983,h_655\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/229\/01kcf7v8nqegjvqrmxsv.jpg\" alt=\"Connelly Early\" width=\"983\" height=\"655\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Connelly Early\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>Wild Card Series &#8211; Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees &#8211; Game Three | Jim McIsaac\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"inline-text-25\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">The\u00a0Boston Red Sox\u00a0have dealt for Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, yet somehow built up MLB&#8217;s deepest reservoir of\u00a0tradable young pitching\u00a0in the process.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">Boston quite possibly has too many quality assets not to swing a massive deal. There are only five spots in the rotation \u2014 and that&#8217;s without diving into the positional roster crunch, which could make the likes of Ceddanne Rafaela, Kristian Campbell and Franklin Arias part of these negotations.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-26\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">The only real limiting factor for Boston is Craig Breslow&#8217;s confidence, or lack thereof, in a financial agreement beyond 2026. Skubal and Garrett Crochet would form the most devastating one-two punch in MLB, but Crochet was much easier to lock up long term.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">Skubal is going to test the market as a Scott Boras client \u2014 and he&#8217;s going to receive offers from all the top markets. If the Red Sox, already cap conscious, feel like Skubal is strictly a rental, it could hand the advantage to other teams.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-28\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">2. New York Mets<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf8hnne651jdjgp8s.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf8hnne651jdjgp8s.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf8hnne651jdjgp8s.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf8hnne651jdjgp8s.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf8hnne651jdjgp8s.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf8hnne651jdjgp8s.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf8hnne651jdjgp8s.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf8hnne651jdjgp8s.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf8hnne651jdjgp8s.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Nolan McLean\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/229\/01kcf8hnne651jdjgp8s.jpg\" alt=\"Nolan McLean\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Nolan McLean\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>Texas Rangers v New York Mets | Benjamin B. Braun\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"inline-text-30\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">The\u00a0New York Mets\u00a0should have as much confidence as any team in their ability to re-sign Skubal next winter, which gets Steve Cohen and company a clear advantage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">This offseason has largely left Mets fans\u00a0defeated and disillusioned, but a Skubal trade would dramatically\u00a0improve morale.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">Starting pitching remains the No. 1 priority for this team, and finding a way to pair Skubal with 24-year-old ace Nolan McLean next season \u2014 and hopefully for years to come \u2014 is a dream solution.<\/p>\n<p id=\"inline-text-31\" class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">In addition to their financial wherewithal, the Mets have top pitching prospects to lob at Detroit. Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat can both contribute to an MLB rotation next season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">The Mets also have Carson Benge, Jett Williams and a compelling group of young bats to put a trade over the finish line.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inline-text-32\" class=\"scroll-mt-24 my-[18px] [&amp;_a]:text-secondary my-f-1\">1. Los Angeles Dodgers<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<div class=\"overflow-hidden bg-lightGrey undefined\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_360,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf95k84329q5egcsg.jpg 1x,  \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf95k84329q5egcsg.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1080,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf95k84329q5egcsg.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 719px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf95k84329q5egcsg.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf95k84329q5egcsg.jpg 2x, \n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf95k84329q5egcsg.jpg 3x\" media=\"(max-width: 1079px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf95k84329q5egcsg.jpg 1x, \nhttps:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf95k84329q5egcsg.jpg 2x,\n    https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_1440,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images%2FGettyImages%2Fmmsport%2F229%2F01kcf95k84329q5egcsg.jpg 3x\" media=\"(min-width: 1080px)\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"undefined w-full\" title=\"Roki Sasaki\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_1024,h_682\/c_fill,w_720,ar_3:2,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/GettyImages\/mmsport\/229\/01kcf95k84329q5egcsg.jpg\" alt=\"Roki Sasaki\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-uw-rm-alt-original=\"Roki Sasaki\" data-uw-rm-alt=\"ALT\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center gap-4 text-darkGrey font-group-tiny m-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption>World Series &#8211; Toronto Blue Jays v Los Angeles Dodgers &#8211; Game Three | Sean M. Haffey\/GettyImages<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The\u00a0Los Angeles Dodgers\u00a0are, unfortunately, as well positioned as any team to not only acquire Skubal, but to keep him. If Skubal cares about winning, the Dodgers offer the clearest path to multiple World Series.<\/p>\n<p>Los Angeles has never shied away from the top of the free agent market. Skubal would join a rotation full of established, Cy Young-level arms.<\/p>\n<p>Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani. There isn&#8217;t a weak spot. R\u014dki Sasaki, with ace upside aplenty, probably stays out of these negotations.<\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s reason to believe the Dodgers would\u00a0involve Tyler Glasnow, an All-Star, in trade talks, giving them an immediate edge as Detroit fights to stay relevant.<\/p>\n<p>The Dodgers can also offer up the likes of Emmet Sheehan and River Ryan, knowing full well that their farm system is stocked and that their free agent budget will prevent future competitive lapses.<\/p>\n<p>That same depth and financial backing should also make the Dodgers comfortable enough to fork over top positional prospects, such as outfielders Josue De Paula and Zhyir Hope, catcher Daulton Rushing or infielder Alex Freeland. Good luck, MLB.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Dodgers loom large in the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes, but other teams can prevent a baseball apocalypse. Detroit Tigers v Baltimore Orioles | G Fiume\/GettyImages The\u00a0Detroit Tigers\u00a0are&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":130750,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-130745","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Report: Ranking the top suitors for Tarik Skubal\u2019s trade and exploring what it could mean for competitive balance, as the Orioles\u2019 moves might shake up the league and spark debates among fans about how parity in baseball could be affected this season - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=130745\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Report: Ranking the top suitors for Tarik Skubal\u2019s trade and exploring what it could mean for competitive balance, as the Orioles\u2019 moves might shake up the league and spark debates among fans about how parity in baseball could be affected this season - NEWS USA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Dodgers loom large in the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes, but other teams can prevent a baseball apocalypse. 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