MLB Insider Links Red Sox To Trade For Best Pitcher In Baseball
Tarik Skubal would be a phenomenal addition for the Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox may be in the market for another starting pitcher, and MLB insider Jim Bowden just tabbed them as a team that is in play for Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers.
“Expect the big-market teams with strong farm systems and the financial wherewithal to sign Skubal long-term to make their interest known, teams like the (New York) Yankees, (Toronto) Blue Jays, (Boston) Red Sox, (San Francisco) Giants and, yes, the (Los Angeles) Dodgers,” Bowden wrote for The Athletic on Friday.
Skubal and the Tigers are reportedly far apart in extension talks. With just one year before he hits the open market, the Tigers may consider trying to trade him and get a return, as opposed to letting him walk for nothing.
Craig Breslow has noted that if the Red Sox add a starting pitcher this offseason, it will be one who can pitch with Garrett Crochet at the top of their rotation. Skubal is certainly that player, but he will not be cheap.
The Tigers will want multiple top prospects for Skubal, but the Red Sox would have to turn around and pay him as well. Jeff Passan projected that Skubal would be a $400 million player back in May. That would make him the highest-paid pitcher in baseball.
Skubal’s agent, Scott Boras, has noted that they are still prepared to listen to extension talks with the Tigers. It’s unclear whether that would stand if Skubal goes to a new team just a season before hitting the open market. However, the Red Sox would have the inside track on signing him.
Skubal has won back-to-back American League Cy Young Awards. He is arguably the best pitcher in the game and has a 2.30 ERA in the last two seasons. He led the league in strikeouts in 2024 and posted a career-high 241 strikeouts last season.
Skubal and Crochet in the same rotation would be the best duo in all of baseball. The Red Sox would instantly be contenders to win the American League.
