Red Sox Get Tarik Skubal Trade Update Before Winter Meetings

The Boston Red Sox have already added two starters via trade this offseason, but if Tarik Skubal is available, the opportunity to add him may be tough to pass up.

Skubal has won back-to-back Cy Young Awards, and he may be the most discussed player at the winter meetings. However, MLB insider Bob Nightengale revealed on Sunday what the trade situation for Skubal actually looks like.

“The Detroit Tigers are telling teams to bring their best offer and they’ll at least listen. Still, no one expects him to go, and what team is going to surrender their top prospects for only one season before he hits the free-agent market where he’ll be the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history?” wrote Nightengale. “This isn’t (Juan) Soto, where the San Diego Padres acquired him and 2 ½ year of control. This is mortgaging your future for 32 starts.”

If Skubal is looking to be the highest-paid pitcher in baseball, the contract would be far and away the largest in Detroit Tigers franchise history. Historically, the Tigers have not spent what it will take to keep Skubal, which is why there are trade rumors swirling.

Skubal would be a phenomenal addition to the Red Sox, just as he would be for any team. However, perhaps the Red Sox knew going into the offseason that the price for Skubal, given he only has one season of control, would be too high. They responded by trading for alternatives.

Last offseason, the Red Sox acquired Garrett Crochet, who had two seasons of club control at the time. For as good as Crochet is, he is not as good as Skubal. Skubal would likely cost the Red Sox more than Crochet did, and has less incentive to sign an extension.

The Red Sox have already made additions to their rotation, and if they want Skubal, it may be wise to simply wait to pay him in free agency. Giving up prospects and running the risk of losing him on the open market would be unwise. For the time being, Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo should be solid additions to the rotation.

Oviedo made nine starts last season and had a 3.57 ERA for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Gray is a three-time All-Star and could be the Red Sox’s No. 2 starter next season. Both could play a major role next season.