Buster Olney: Tarik Skubal Trade Could Cost Mariners Top Prospects

The offseason trade rumors are swirling, and right in the thick of it is Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. He’s just won his second straight AL Cy Young Award, so you can see why everyone’s talking. The Seattle Mariners, who somehow managed to keep Skubal in check all four times they faced him in 2024 (yeah, even in the playoffs), are popping up as a possible landing spot if Detroit decides to move on from their star lefty.

Skubal’s entering his final year of club control, which makes you wonder: will the Mariners or anyone else actually pay the steep price for one of baseball’s best arms?

Tarik Skubal’s Dominance and Rare Struggles vs. Seattle

Skubal looked nearly untouchable in 2024, mowing down hitters all over the American League. Weirdly, the only team that really gave him trouble was the Mariners, who beat him every time they faced off.

That stat alone makes Seattle a fascinating trade partner. They’ve shown they can handle him, so maybe they’d rather see him pitching for them than against them.

Why Detroit Might Trade Their Ace

ESPN’s Buster Olney says the Tigers are facing a tough call. Skubal’s about to hit free agency, and Detroit could cash in now instead of risking him walking away for nothing or paying out a massive extension.

Trading him at his peak could bring back real talent to help with their rebuild or whatever direction they end up taking. Teams like the Mets and Mariners keep coming up, mostly because they actually have the kind of young players and prospects Detroit would want.

Seattle’s Farm System and Trade Assets

The Mariners have a deep farm system, which gives them options. They’ve built up a strong group of young pitchers, and that’s usually the starting point for big deals like this.

Still, Olney warns that giving up a lot for just one year of Skubal could make teams hesitate.

Comparisons to the Corbin Burnes Trade

Olney brought up the Brewers’ trade that sent Corbin Burnes to the Orioles. That deal included top prospects and a draft pick. Skubal’s younger, and he’s got those back-to-back Cy Youngs, so he’d probably cost even more.

Seattle would have to move players who can help right away, not just prospects who are a couple years out.

Potential Trade Pieces for Seattle

Former GM Jim Bowden got people talking by suggesting a trade built around Mariners starter Bryce Miller. Olney didn’t love that idea, pointing out Miller’s injury history as a red flag for Detroit.

The Tigers would probably want someone healthy and ready to contribute now. That puts right-hander Bryan Woo in the spotlight. Woo’s young, has upside, and so far, he’s stayed healthy.

But would Seattle really let him go? He’s got tons of potential and a cheap contract, so it’s a tough call.

• Bryce Miller – talented but injury concerns
• Bryan Woo – high-upside, healthy starter
• Deep farm depth – hitters and pitchers almost MLB-ready

The Decision Ahead for Detroit

The Tigers have to decide how much they like Seattle’s prospects and big-league-ready players. If they see a real shot to speed up their rebuild, maybe they go for it.

But if the offers aren’t good enough? They might just hang on to Skubal and see where the season goes.

Implications for Seattle’s 2025 Season

For the Mariners, trading for Skubal would send a bold “win-now” message to fans and everyone watching. It puts them in position to have a rotation with two legitimate aces.

That kind of pitching could boost their playoff chances and maybe even push them deep into October. But let’s be real—paying the price for Skubal might mess with their long-term roster plans, especially if it means giving up young, controllable players.

If Seattle decides not to make a move, they’ll try to build on their progress against top pitching and keep their future intact. Still, how often does a team get a shot at a proven ace in his prime? It doesn’t happen much, and who knows when it’ll come around again.

Right now, both teams are weighing their options. The Hot Stove rumor mill is about to heat up, and you can bet everyone’s watching what happens next.

Whether Skubal stays in Detroit or ends up wearing a Mariners jersey, this story feels like it could really shake up the American League in 2025.

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