MLB Trade Deadline Approaches: Dodgers and Orioles Eye Tigers' Ace Tarik Skubal, Rockies' Ryan McMahon to Stay Put
As the MLB trade deadline on July 30 rapidly approaches, teams across the league are making strategic moves to strengthen their rosters. One of the most intriguing developments is the keen interest shown by the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Detroit Tigers' left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal. Despite this interest, the Tigers have not indicated any willingness to part with their star pitcher.
Skubal, at 27 years old, has been nothing short of stellar this season. Leading all pitchers in ERA and WAR, his performance speaks for itself. Over 116 innings, he has amassed 140 strikeouts, further underlining his dominance on the mound. His impeccable form has only improved since his return from a flexor injury last summer, having pitched 196 1/3 innings with a 2.57 ERA and racking up 242 strikeouts in that period.
The Dodgers and Orioles, both hunting for pitching prowess to bolster their playoff ambitions, are reportedly ready to offer prospect-rich trade packages to acquire Skubal. However, with Skubal under team control until after the 2026 season, Detroit holds a strong negotiating position, should they decide to even consider the offers. It's a tantalizing prospect for both Los Angeles and Baltimore, as landing a pitcher of Skubal’s caliber could significantly enhance their postseason prospects.
Meanwhile, another player generating buzz, but for a different reason, is Colorado Rockies' third baseman Ryan McMahon. Despite the Rockies' dismal 34-63 record and a concerning minus-169 run differential, McMahon has been a bright spot for the team. The 29-year-old is hitting .273/.350/.447 with 14 home runs this season, coupled with exceptional defensive performances at third base.
Unlike the uncertainty surrounding Skubal, McMahon’s situation has been clarified by Rockies GM Bill Schmidt. Schmidt has assured McMahon that he will remain with the team through the trade deadline. "We had a good talk. Talked about it and we came to the conclusion that I'm going to stay a Rockie," McMahon shared in a recent interview. McMahon’s contract runs through 2027, ensuring that he remains a key player for the Rockies moving forward.
As the deadline looms, the MLB landscape is abuzz with speculation and strategic maneuvering. While the Dodgers and Orioles are on the lookout for opportunities to enhance their pitching rosters, the Rockies are holding onto their defensive stalwart. With Skubal's future still uncertain and McMahon’s set, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how these narratives unfold in the coming days.