Why Yankees Are Not a Realistic Landing Spot for Tarik Skubal

The New York Yankees are typically linked to some of the top trade candidates every season, regardless of position. That's once again the case this year.

Despite not having a major need in the starting rotation, the Yankees are linked to Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal in a potential deadline splash. But, how realistic is a deal for Skubal?

As MLB.com's Bryan Hoch notes, a deal isn't very likely, and the Yankees are not a realistic landing spot for Skubal. Hoch revealed the reason why, and it has to do with what trade chips the Yankees could end up trading this year.

"You're going to hear buzz about the Yankees reaching out for Skubal, but I'm not convinced they have the chips to make that happen - and especially not if the front office is set against trading top prospect George Lombard Jr., as I've been told," Hoch writes.

The Yankees could offer a package of Carlos Lagrange, Ben Hess, Spencer Jones, Jasson Dominguez, Will Warren, or Dax Kilby, among others, for Skubal.

But the Yankees can't mortgage their entire future for Skubal, especially since they have a good-enough rotation as it is with Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, and Gerrit Cole.

The Tigers are going to be asking for the team's top prospects and likely eyeing a young controllable starting pitcher in return for Skubal.

While Brian Cashman could have the option to piece together a trade for Skubal, he would likely need to give up Lombard, which he probably isn't willing to do.

Hoch expects the Yankees to "seek catching, bullpen help and a right-handed outfield bat at the Deadline." Starting pitching isn't something the Yankees need.

So, even though they might be linked to Skubal as a potential landing spot for the Cy Young-winning Tigers ace, the Yankees are not a realistic place for Skubal to be traded to by the August 3 MLB trade deadline. He will get traded, but not to the Yankees, if I had to guess.