{"id":421897,"date":"2025-11-08T04:23:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-08T04:23:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/421897\/"},"modified":"2025-11-08T04:23:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-08T04:23:11","slug":"gauging-the-orioles-possible-interest-in-tarik-skubal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/421897\/","title":{"rendered":"Gauging the Orioles’ Possible Interest in Tarik Skubal"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Detroit Tigers and left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal<\/a> are in the middle of a contract negotiation that seems to be going nowhere.<\/p>\n

Skubal and Detroit were reportedly $250 million apart from each other in their negotiations on a new long-term deal, according to SNY<\/a>. It didn\u2019t help matters that the Tigers seemingly offended their 28-year-old ace with a four-year, $80 million offer<\/a> at the end of his 2024 Cy Young Award season. Now, rumors are circulating that the team might trade him if they can\u2019t agree.<\/p>\n

The Baltimore Orioles are a team in desperate need of stable pitching<\/a> for the 2026 season. They have Grayson Rodriguez<\/a> and Tyler Wells<\/a> coming back from injury, but need another established ace in the rotation. Could the Orioles make a play for Skubal?<\/p>\n

\"\"Jul 6, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
\nThe Orioles Lack Capital on a Trade for Tarik Skubal<\/p>\n

Detroit would likely be seeking MLB-ready outfielders, a second baseman, or a pair of arms to move the needle for a potential deal. Baltimore has all of those in some capacity, but trading them would mean going into another potential rebuild.<\/p>\n

Dylan Beavers<\/a> is on the cusp of breaking out with the Orioles in 2026. He had a .227\/.375\/.775 slash line with four home runs in 35 games, along with 26 walks to 36 strikeouts. Colton Cowser<\/a> missed part of the season with a broken thumb, but still slugged 16 home runs.<\/p>\n

Expect to see Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers called up to the Orioles on or after August 15th \u2013 Prospects called up for the first time on Aug. 15 or later cannot exceed 45 days of MLB service this season which keeps them eligible for Rookie of the Year next season. pic.twitter.com\/L2wNGsuwqM<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Prospect Savant (@ProspectSavant) August 4, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

At the same time, Jackson Holliday<\/a> is also on the cusp of a breakout season, even though he holds a pedestrian .314 on-base percentage. His 17 steals and 17 home runs indicate he could become an All-Star if he continues developing in the right way. Jordan Westburg<\/a> is a good trade piece, but it might not be enough for Skubal.<\/p>\n

Colton Cowser in 2025<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udfe0 .196\/.269\/.385
\ud83d\udfe0 16 HR, 40 RBI
\ud83d\udfe0 128 Ks, 27 BBs, 14 SBs<\/p>\n

Tough second full season for the Milk Man who missed all of May and had some nagging injuries all season<\/p>\n

Grade: D<\/p>\n

What would you grade Cowser\u2019s season? #Birdland<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/krP8ZrJRT7<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 SleeperOrioles (@SleeperOrioles) October 1, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Forget using prospects to make a trade, as Esteban Mejia<\/a> is Baltimore\u2019s top-rated pitching prospect, who won\u2019t be ready until 2029. Any trade for Skubal might have to include Rodriguez or Wells, or both. That could be too steep for the team to pay, so it would have to be purely an offense-based trade.<\/p>\n

The Payroll Can Hold a Long-Term Contract<\/p>\n

The good news for the Orioles is that, as of Nov. 7, the team only has $33 million in total payroll<\/a> for 2026, not including arbitration. There is significant room for the team to maneuver for the offseason. If they somehow landed Skubal, there wouldn\u2019t be any constraints regarding annual value.<\/p>\n

Skubal reportedly<\/a> sought north of $350 million for a long-term deal, though the actual length wasn\u2019t reported at the time. If Skubal wants a seven-year or eight-year deal, that would come out to $45 to $50 million per year. Baltimore could easily afford that for most of the contract until their core players left arbitration and team control. They\u2019d still have room for big-time moves.<\/p>\n

Tyler O\u2019Neil being atop the \u201826 Orioles payroll jumps off the page to me, but not as surprising as seeing Felix\u2019s salary.<\/p>\n

Source: Spotrac pic.twitter.com\/TtaVOqsii3<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Core Drill Cordae (@410wantsNHL) October 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Again, it comes down to whether the Orioles have the capital to move for Skubal. They might, but it would require a new rebuild in several areas, especially the outfield. Don\u2019t expect Baltimore to jump on any talks that could be emerging.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Main Photo Credit: \u00a9 Junfu Han \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t