MLB trade deadline: Tigers seek starter for Skubal, Yankees target Miller
Reports indicate the Tigers want a controllable pitcher for Tarik Skubal, while the Yankees and Phillies target bullpen and rotation depth.
With the Major League Baseball trade deadline set for 3 August, speculation regarding roster construction is intensifying across the league. The Detroit Tigers are reportedly seeking a controllable starting pitcher and quality prospects in any deal involving ace Tarik Skubal. The New York Yankees are targeting San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller, while the Philadelphia Phillies are looking to add a back-end starting pitcher to their rotation.
The Tigers have compiled a 25-15 record since 1 June, securing the second-best record in the American League during that span. Despite this performance, they remain five games behind the third wild-card spot and 6½ games back in the AL Central. Skubal, the reigning two-time Cy Young winner, is tentatively scheduled to start against the Royals and the Orioles before the deadline. He has shown improvement following NanoScope elbow surgery, most recently striking out nine Angels in seven shutout innings.
In any potential trade involving Skubal, Detroit is seeking a controllable starter to replace him in the rotation, along with quality prospects. The availability of Skubal remains conditional, with reports noting that the Padres would need to make him available for such a discussion to proceed.
The New York Yankees are reportedly targeting Miller, described as the best reliever in the game, to pair with current closer David Bednar. The Yankees are flush with young pitching arms at the upper levels, which may facilitate a trade with San Diego. The Padres acquired Miller last summer by sending top prospect Leo De Vries to San Diego, though it is considered difficult for them to secure a similar prospect in return this year.
The Philadelphia Phillies are exploring options to add a No. 5 starter to their rotation. With Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, and Jesús Luzardo set at the top and Aaron Nola as the No. 4 option, the club is looking to add innings rather than impact. Lower-cost rental starters such as Shane Bieber, Kevin Gausman, Foster Griffin, Tyler Mahle, Robbie Ray, and Brady Singer are among those who figure to move at the deadline.
