Tarik Skubal could be traded to a surprising team

Trade rumors continue to surround Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, and it is not just MLB’s traditional major market powers being linked to him.

The Tampa Bay Rays have shown interest in trading for Skubal, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. They have been aggressive on other leading names that could become available as well, including Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte.

The Rays certainly have the prospects to get Skubal, though they would be taking a big risk by doing so. Skubal is set to be a free agent after the season, and they are highly unlikely to have the financial means to retain him whether they want to or not.

On the other hand, it certainly makes sense for the Rays to go for it. They sit at 56-38 at the All-Star break and lead the American League East by three games. They are nearly certain to make the playoffs and might just try to seize the opportunity to claim an elusive World Series title.

Skubal would be the biggest prize on the market if he is traded, but that is not a certainty. The Tigers have closed to within 3.5 games of the final AL Wild Card spot thanks to their recent hot streak. If they continue winning out of the All-Star break, they might keep Skubal and go for it themselves. Even if the Tigers do opt to move him, the Rays would face very stiff competition for his services.