The Mets need starting pitching and the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal has been mentioned as being on the trading block. It’s hard for me to believe they would actually deal one of the top young pitchers in the game but perhaps where there’s smoke there will be a fire.
The Mets were willing to spend $350 million prior to the start of this year for 25-year-old Yoshinobu Yamamoto. So, would they be willing to spend roughly $80 million to acquire Skubal? This was a question posed to me by Mets News & Links’ John from Albany, who asked if I was willing for the Mets to assume Javier Baez’ contract to get Skubal.
After several emails back and forth, we came up with the following proposed deal:
Skubal, Baez and Andrew Chafin
For
Starling Marte and a non-top-10 prospect
My original prospect was Saul Garcia, a 21 year old at Lo-A with 56 Ks in 47 IP. But maybe it needs to be better than him. Maybe it’s Alex Ramirez or Tyler Stuart, instead. Shoot, make it Luisangel Acuna. Or all three.
The last time Baez was productive came with the Mets in 2021. Maybe reuniting with his pal Francisco Lindor will be enough to stop his slide. But even if Baez continues to stink, it doesn’t seem too extravagant a price to pay for Skubal. Since the start of 2023, Skubal has produced 7.0 fWAR in 203.1 IP.
Still doesn’t make sense to me that the Tigers are willing to trade Skubal, who comes with two years of team control beyond 2024 and if any Tigers fan reads this proposal and scoffs, I won’t disagree. But while there may be teams willing to part with much better prospects, how many would take Baez’ contract? It all comes down to what an owner values the most.
Speculating deals this time of year can be fun. I think the Tigers would jump on any deal to get rid of Baez and only Steve Cohen would make that deal. Probably a long shot though.
As a Mets sympathizer, I do not endorse this trade. Several reasons:
1. Baez is a cancer
2. Baez’s salary will hurt this team long term and I would rather have one year of pain than several.
3. Baez is an offensive black hole at a time that the roster is jelling.
4. The starting pitchers does not need the infusion the bullpen needs. The starters are seeing an infusion with Senga and Megii.
This was to be a “transitional year, so there isn’t a need to blow that plan up. Yes, winning seasons should not be taken for granted, but we don’t want to affect the future ones to go for it this year.
Tarik Skubal would be a big jolt for the Mets. Marte would cushion the expense in 2025. Baez would take Gamel spot on the roster and be the utility infielder. McNeil would be the starting rightfielder, Iglesias the second baseman with Baez getting some reps. If Baez doesn’t work out then try to trade him in the future and absorb most of his salary. Acuno or Ramirez in the package shouldn’t stand in the way of the trade. Obtaining Chafin would be the cherry on the top.
The Tigers would say no.
I’d do this in a heartbeat and I don’t like Baez. I hated the trade when they got him and clearly he’s not even a fraction of the player he was the. With that said, Skubal is one of the top pitchers in the league. I’d do the deal and use Baez as a pinch runner, or even DFA him and eat the money. But the Tigers say no.
Skubal is only 27 and appears to be hitting his stride. He would be a great addition but not if Baez is attached. Thumbs Down