Rays Might Poach Tarik Skubal and That’s the Last Thing the Yankees Want to See

The trade deadline is still a few weeks out, but the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes are already getting ugly. And for the New York Yankees, the worst-case scenario might be playing out in real time.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Tampa Bay Rays are planning to be aggressive buyers at the deadline. That alone is annoying for a division rival. But what really stings is that Tampa has its eyes on Skubal, the Detroit Tigers’ ace and reigning AL Cy Young winner. The Rays, who suddenly see an AL that’s wide open, are reportedly kicking the tires on Skubal, and they’ve also looked into Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte and Giants All-Star Luis Arraez as backup plans.

Here’s where it gets interesting for Yankees fans. Nightengale also reported that Skubal has told friends he badly wants to stay in Detroit for the rest of the season. He genuinely believes the Tigers have a shot at the World Series. “I’ve never lost faith,” Skubal told Nightengale. So maybe the whole trade talk is moot. But if Detroit decides to sell, the Rays are lurking.

The Yankees have their own interest in Skubal, obviously. But MLB insider Jon Heyman called New York a “long shot” to land him. He pointed to Carlos Rodon’s recent injury — four to six weeks out — as a reason the Yankees might look more seriously at starting pitching. But Heyman’s read is that they’re still probably not the favorites.

Why the Rays matter here

It’s not just that Tampa Bay is interested. It’s that Tampa Bay always seems to pull off these deals. They have a deep farm system, a front office that isn’t afraid to make moves, and a history of flipping guys at the right time. If the Rays get Skubal, they instantly become even scarier in a division the Yankees are already fighting to win. The Yankees would loathe seeing that happen. And not just because it makes the Rays better, but because it takes a premier arm off the market and puts it in the hands of a team that knows how to maximize talent.

For now, Skubal is still a Tiger. He’s still pitching like an ace. And the Yankees are still hoping Detroit holds onto him, or that some other team outbids Tampa. But the clock is ticking, and the Rays are making calls.