Yankees just got Tarik Skubal trade deadline path after surprising Tigers roster move

As the trade deadline rumors heat up, the Detroit Tigers just initiated a rat race of sorts with their latest roster move. If the Yankees are exploring Tarik Skubal's availability between now and Aug. 3, they may have the prequel to the blockbuster deal.

The Tigers designated veteran catcher Jake Rogers for assignment on Tuesday after activating Javy Baez from the injured list. Detroit fans were certain James Outman — the worst qualified hitter in the league — would be the roster casualty, but were taken for a loop when the news dropped.

Rogers, who was very close with Skubal, will now hit waivers, perhaps signaling the Tigers' intentions with Skubal. Losers of three in a row after a June/July surge, Detroit remains outside of the playoff picture, and recent reports have suggested they could move on from Skubal while still intending to compete with whatever return package they receive. Parting with Rogers, who wasn't factoring much into the team's performance due to the emergence of Dillon Dingler, all but officially confirms Skubal's departure. Why else make the move? A backup catcher isn't changing your fortunes right now.

The Rogers DFA indicates the Tigers at least want to move forward with younger options (Eduardo Valencia) and are preparing for life without Skubal, who had Rogers as his catcher throughout the entirety of his 2024 Cy Young campaign. Skubal shouted out Rogers in that acceptance speech and gifted him a matching watch for all his help.

Yankees should trade for Jake Rogers if they want a shot at Tarik Skubal

So why not trade for Rogers, make him the backup in place of Ali Sanchez, and see if that can tip the scales in a Skubal pursuit? It's at least worth a try. It's not like Rogers is necessarily a downgrade from Sanchez, who has been solid but possesses nowhere near the experience Rogers does.

Skubal can't control where he goes in a trade, but there's a world in which the Tigers are human and make this a painless process for him. No need to blindside him with the news. Take him through the proceedings, weigh the pros and cons, and try to do right by the guy who won you two Cy Youngs and did all he could to spark playoff runs.

The Yankees may have many other roster needs with all their injuries right now, but acquiring Skubal gives them flexibility to trade other arms like Ryan Weathers, Will Warren and even Carlos Rodón. Their first-round draft pick in Hunter Dietz definitely allows them to trade a couple of their top pitching prospects. Going for Skubal does not take them out of the running for other needs, like an outfielder, third baseman or reliever.

Plus, there aren't a ton of impact bats available. If that's the case, why not stack the rotation to neutralize the rest of the AL and give you the best possible shot against the Dodgers? Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, Max Fried and Skubal would probably be the best assortment of starters in the postseason.

But it all starts with Rogers. Set the table. Ensure a soft landing for Skubal if the deal goes down. Worst-case scenario, you have a respectable veteran with an awesome mustache who crushes lefties.

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