The Philadelphia Phillies have had an impressive starting rotation this season, but according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the team is still seeking to bolster their pitching staff. A notable trade proposal from Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer suggests sending Detroit Tigers’ left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal to Philadelphia in a four-player deal.
Proposed Trade Details
In Rymer’s proposal, the Phillies would receive:
– LHP Tarik Skubal
The Tigers would receive:
– OF Justin Crawford
– RHP Andrew Painter
– 3B Aidan Miller
Rymer compares the deal to the historic Herschel Walker trade, noting that the package includes the Phillies’ top three prospects, whose combined surplus value is estimated at $102.5 million. Skubal’s surplus value is projected at $105.9 million by Baseball Trade Values. Painter, Miller, and Crawford are ranked No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 among the Phillies’ prospects, respectively, and are all listed on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects list.
Phillies’ World Series Aspirations
With the best record in MLB at 64-37, the Phillies are in a strong position to make a deep playoff run. Rymer argues that acquiring Skubal would further solidify their status as World Series favorites, showcasing President of Baseball Operations David Dombrowski’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned.
Impact on Phillies’ Rotation
Adding Skubal to the rotation would be a significant upgrade for the Phillies, who already have a league-best 3.20 ERA. Skubal, having a career year with a 2.34 ERA and 146 strikeouts, was named an All-Star for the first time this season. His addition would give the Phillies four All-Stars in their rotation, joining Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez, and Ranger Suárez.
The Tigers’ Perspective
From the Tigers’ standpoint, trading Skubal only makes sense if they receive multiple future All-Stars in return. This is reminiscent of the Padres’ 2022 trade for Juan Soto and Josh Bell, which involved a substantial haul of top prospects. The proposed trade by Rymer fits this criterion, giving the Tigers three elite prospects in exchange for their star pitcher.
Conclusion
If the trade goes through, it would be one of the most significant moves of the season, potentially altering the dynamics of both teams. For the Phillies, Skubal’s acquisition would reinforce their rotation and enhance their championship prospects. For the Tigers, the deal would inject top-tier talent into their farm system, setting them up for future success.