Yankees' wild Tarik Skubal dream could become reality with this hefty trade package

MLB insider Jon Heyman's first bomb of the offseason may have been slightly misleading, but still paints a picture of discontent in Detroit. According to Heyman's figures, the Tigers and Tarik Skubal must bridge a gap approaching $250 million in order to land on an extension that works. The only wrinkle is that the most recent data we're working with here comes from prior to the 2025 season, when Detroit reportedly tried to preempt things with a $170 million offer, with Skubal possbily seeking $400+ million.

Perhaps things have changed just one year out from free agency. Maybe Detroit has wised up. Maybe Skubal has come to the negotiating table this winter with open arms and a kind heart. Still ... that's a gulf. If things don't get any rosier between the two parties this offseason, Scott Harris and the Tigers would be wise to add to their rich farm with a monstrous Skubal trade.

Of course, they'd be smarter to put their money where their mouth is, sign Skubal long-term, and create a lengthy contention window, but we digress.

If Skubal's unavailable, so be it. He belongs in Detroit, rocking and firing. But if he does hit the market, the Yankees need to do everything in their power to prevent the Red Sox and Mets an easy route to rapid improvement. Any Skubal trade offer should come with a baked-in extension. There'll also probably be an American League tax; after all, who wants to trade then face this dude on the road to the World Series?

Everything surrounding the potential transaction will result in a hefty-as-hell price for the Yankees. But if something like this is on the table, they have to do it. The Dodgers have crafted a super rotation, and passed you by in the process. There's no shame in hoarding superstars. Other folks have attempted it in an effort to be the best. You ... you do want to be the best, don't you?

This Yankees-Tarik Skubal trade package could satisfy Tigers if extension talks break down

With Miguel Andújar and Clint Frazier now unavailable, the Yankees will have to go with the big guns here. Thankfully, their prize prospects line up ... well, pretty nicely with Detroit's long-term needs.

The Tigers are set up well in the infield, with Kevin McGonigle, Bryce Rainer, Josue Briceño and Thayron Liranzo all ranking among their top five prospects, capable of covering short, second, catcher and first base. Add in Colt Keith and Spencer Torkelson, and there's a plethora of young guns down Detroit's depth chart. Pitching? That's another story entirely; Jackson Jobe's Tommy John surgery should return him to the top of their rotation in a year or so, but beyond him, Troy Melton and Co. don't exactly scream, "We're good, thanks."

Now, just because Detroit is stacked with offensive firepower doesn't mean they won't ask for George Lombard Jr. It does mean that the Yankees might be able to get away with negotiating around him. By the time these theoretical talks settle, Spencer Jones, along with top-tier pitching prospects Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and Carlos Lagrange, will be required to be a part of the package. The only real question is whether the Yankees can escape without including Cam Schlittler in exchange for only one guaranteed year of Skubal.

We'll be optimistic and say they'll be able to add Vanderbilt's Bryce Cunningham in a four-for-one and get it done. The pessimistic version, though? Add Schlittler, make it even more top heavy, hold your nose and ... fine. Do it. It's literally Tarik Skubal, and Boston is lurking.