Braves face key question in potential Tarik Skubal trade

The Detroit Tigers are sitting on a disappointing 27-39 record, and they're more than likely to be sellers at the August 3 trade deadline.

Notably, that means at least one-third of the league's teams will try to get their hands on Tarik Skubal.

The two-time AL Cy Young winner will return soon from a minor elbow procedure, and since he's in the final year of his contract, he might be the most coveted player in the game.

Considering that, Atlanta Braves insider Mark Bowman questioned the rumors linking Skubal to the team.

The Braves may not want Tarik Skubal on a rental

"You also have to ask yourself: Are you willing to part ways with possibly two top prospects for what would amount to two months of the regular season and the playoffs?" Bowman asked.

Of course, Skubal could sign a new deal with the Braves or whoever trades for him. Then again, super agent Scott Boras will most likely advise him to wait until the offseason, as a bidding war will only drive his value up.

"Skubal will likely be seeking a five-plus year deal that includes an average annual salary of $40-50 million -- or higher. Count me among those who wouldn’t make more than a three-year commitment to any pitcher 30 or older," Bowman added.

The Braves' farm system is one of the deepest in the game, so they would certainly have more than enough firepower and assets to outbid most teams trying to get Skubal.

Any trade for the superstar hurler would most definitely include at least one of Cam Caminiti (No. 46) or J.R. Ritchie (No. 58), plus other high-end prospects like Owen Murphy or John Gil.

Skubal is a difference-maker who would certainly push the Braves even closer to World Series contention, but he's aging, coming off an injury and will likely become a free agent after the season, so this team might be better off waiting and trying to get him in free agency.