Will the Braves trade for Tarik Skubal?
The Atlanta Braves have been mentioned as a potential trade suitor for Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal. While nothing is guaranteed, the expectation is that Skubal will be moved before the trade deadline. The Tigers' superstar is going to be a free agent after the season and Detroit is unlikely to re-sign him. The Tigers have no reason to risk losing him in free agency for nothing in return unless they believe they can win the World Series this year.
So, will the Braves trade for him?
Recent rumors have mentioned the Braves as a possible landing destination. Of course, teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees could be in the conversation. Other teams like the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies could make things interesting. However, the Braves look like a great team and acquiring Skubal would make them the unquestioned biggest threat to the Dodgers.
According to one of the hosts on 680 The Fan, though, a Skubal trade is not going to come to fruition for the Braves. The host said "it's not happening" before calling a recent post from MLB insider Bob Nightengale "not a report."
Will Braves Trade for Tarik Skubal?
Braves fans are surely hopeful that Atlanta will at least consider trading for Skubal. With that being said, trading for possibly only a couple of months of Skubal is risky. The Tigers are understandably going to want a massive haul in any deal, and surrendering multiple top prospects for the left-hander would place even more pressure on the team to win the World Series this season.
Could the Braves potentially re-sign Skubal in free agency? Anything is possible, but the biggest market teams in baseball -- including the Dodgers, Yankees and New York Mets -- will surely be in the conversation as well. Skubal could end up receiving the largest contract of all-time for a starting pitcher.
It remains to be seen if Skubal will end up in Atlanta this season. Some people clearly do not expect it to happen, while others believe it is a legitimate possibility.
The fit does make sense. Chris Sale is already an ace, and adding Skubal to the rotation would give the Braves two of baseball's best pitchers. That rotation could lead Atlanta to the World Series.
The Braves may be hesitant to part ways with their best prospects given the possibility of Tarik Skubal signing elsewhere in free agency, though.
