The Detroit Tigers might have to start considering an ugly situation: Cy Young Tarik Skubal walking in free agency. If he leaves, they’ll have literally no one to replace his value.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer believes they can get a replacement, and have one last hurrah while they’re at it. He believes the Tigers need to go out and acquire Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez.
“The more pressing matter is the future of Skubal, who is slated to hit free agency after 2026. It would be shocking if the Tigers traded him this winter, but equally shocking if they extended him. Even though they're implying they can do it, the price to make it happen may well eclipse $400 million.The Tigers should start planning for life after Skubal, and signing Valdez would help. He used to play under A.J. Hinch in Houston, and one can imagine him being drawn to the cavernous dimensions of Comerica Park,” Rymer wrote.
Valdez posted a 3.66 ERA, a record of 13-11, a WHIP of 1.245, and 187 Ks over 192 innings pitched this season. However, before the trade deadline, he had a record of 11-4, a 2.62 ERA, and 141 Ks.
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If Valdez can pitch in a park like Comerica, he definitely could return to his All-Star self. And, with a 1-2 punch in Skubal and Valdez, the Tigers could have one last chance at a World Series run.
If the Tigers are smart, they’ll pursue Valdez with everything they have. Then, they’ll bolster the rest of their roster and make sure Skubal leaves Detroit with a ring on his finger.
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