A blockbuster move for one of the best left-handed starters in Major League Baseball doesn’t appear to be in the cards for the New York Yankees, at least not right now.
According to Bryan Hoch, a trade for Tarik Skubal is considered “unlikely,” despite the Yankees’ obvious interest in upgrading their rotation.
Skubal, the ace of the Detroit Tigers, would command a massive return, and Detroit has shown some urgency, but not a ton, to move a pitcher that is widely regarded as either the best or second-best in the game.
“With a blockbuster swap for Tigers ace Tarik Skubal unlikely, the Yankees have remained engaged with other available options, including talks with the Nationals about left-hander MacKenzie Gore and with the Brewers about right-hander Freddy Peralta,” Hoch wrote.
The front office is being aggressive, but also realistic.
Instead of chasing a pitcher who might not be available, the Yankees have shifted toward a more likely option to get dealt.
One of those is MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals.
Gore, a former top prospect, has shown ace stuff and continues to be a name worth monitoring.
While he isn’t on Skubal’s level, his age and contract situation make him an intriguing target if Washington is willing to listen, which it is, according to reports.
Another name he mentioned is Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers.
He’s proven he can handle pressure, something that always matters in the Bronx, and while he’s set to hit free agency next winter, that could actually make him more realistic than Skubal. Skubal is, too, but the left-hander will get a deal we haven’t ever seen in baseball history for a starter.
According to Hoch, a lot of this is due to the Yankees needing help, given all of the injuries they’re dealing with on the mound.
“The Yankees will need to cover innings early in the season with Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt all on the injured list. Rodón should be the closest to returning after undergoing a left elbow cleanup performed after the postseason.
“Cashman said Rodón is expected to be pitching in Grapefruit League games by the end of camp and may return sometime in April. Cole is continuing to rehab from a procedure performed last March. He threw multiple bullpen sessions by year’s end and is hopeful for what he described as a relatively normal spring buildup. Schmidt is due back from Tommy John surgery sometime in the second half,” he wrote.