ESPN insider shares 'likely' trade rumor on Tigers' Tarik Skubal

Matt Sullivan

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ESPN insider shares 'likely' trade rumor on Tigers' Tarik Skubal image

Tarik Skubal has been the most interesting name to monitor on the trade block this winter. While the Detroit Tigers aren't expected to move on from him, there's reason to believe a trade isn't out of the question.

At the MLB Winter Meetings, some buzz sparked back up, with Skubal and the Los Angeles Dodgers being a potential fit. While there's still no indication a trade is close, his trade market is one to keep a very close eye on.

One ESPN MLB insider, Jorge Castillo, was doing just that at the Winter Meetings, where he heard a fascinating trade rumor about Skubal. Castillo's reported trade rumor was that a Skubal trade is not just a possibility, but that it's likely to happen.

Tigers' Tarik Skubal 'likely' to be traded, according to ESPN insider

When asked what the most interesting thing he heard at the Winter Meetings was, Castillo answered, "That a Tarik Skubal trade is likely."

This rumor would be a massive update for Skubal's trade potential this winter. But, Castillo delved into the background of his market and why this rumor shouldn't be taken at face value.

"Trading the best pitcher in baseball when you're trying to compete would upset the fan base," Castillo writes, "but the Tigers, knowing re-signing Skubal next winter is unlikely, appear open to it."

With Skubal's future in Detroit even without a trade looking uncertain, trading him this offseason would be much better for the Tigers' long-term success.

More: Why Tarik Skubal is still Tigers' best offseason trade candidate

Re-signing Skubal would be ideal, but that doesn't look likely at the moment with how far apart the two sides have been rumored to be.

Tigers' GM Scott Harris also made comments recently that didn't shut down the idea of a Skubal trade. Harris even said that there aren't any "untouchables" on the roster, Skubal included.

If the Tigers weren't entertaining trade offers, then Harris could've shut down any rumors during the MLB Winter Meetings. But, he didn't, and even gave more credence to the idea of a Skubal blockbuster trade.

Castillo heard that a Skubal trade is "likely," and while it might be a bit too early to make such a presumption, it's a noteworthy rumor amid the mounting evidence that the Tigers are open to making a trade involving their two-time Cy Young.

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Contributing Writer