Three potential trade destinations for Tigers ace

The Detroit Tigers do not need to trade Tarik Skubal.

The Tigers' ace is still under team control for two more years and is under contract for just $2.65 million this season. However, Skubal has Scott Boras for an agent. Boras is notorious for bringing his players to free agency, especially when that player is among the best at their position.

Such is the case for the 27-year-old Skubal. He has posted a major league-leading 2.41 ERA and a 0.879 WHiP in his 116 first-half innings, striking out 140 batters with just 21 walks. He is easily the Tigers' best trade chip, despite Bob Nightengale from USA Today calling any trade speculation "silly." Nonetheless, the Tigers have numerous holes to fill, especially in the lineup. As much as they may not want to trade Skubal yet, a deal may be their best path forward.

Let's take a look at three possible landing spots.

Baltimore Orioles

If the Tigers are looking for major league-ready hitters, the Baltimore Orioles have to be one of the first teams on their list. As the Orioles had the top-rated farm system heading into 2024 and plenty of young position players on the cusp of reaching the majors, the pieces are there for the Orioles to take a run at Skubal.

Corbin Burnes has been everything the Orioles had hoped for and Grayson Rodriguez is showing his potential. However, the rest of the Orioles' rotation is a question mark as injuries have left three starters out for the year. Albert Suarez has been a revelation , but does not have a track record of success. Dean Kremer and Cole Irvin are back of the rotation arms. As the Orioles have their sights set on a World Series run, Skubal is the type of pitcher they need.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers are in a similar place as the Orioles. While Clayton Kershaw is expected to return from the injured list soon, the Los Angeles rotation has been decimated by injuries . Only four pitchers have made more than 10 starts while 14 pitchers have started a game for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers are similar to the Orioles when it comes to the farm system as well. This is still a deep system despite graduating several prospects to the majors. Although the Dodgers may not have the top-end talent that the Orioles do, they still have the type of talent needed to entice the Tigers. Dalton Rushing and Andy Pages could be a starting point to bring Skubal on board.

San Diego Padres

Although A.J. Preller has constantly tinkered with his roster, the San Diego Padres still have one of the best farm systems in baseball. Headlined by Ethan Salas and Robby Snelling, the Padres have plenty of pieces to offer.

The Padres also have an opening in the rotation. Yu Darvish is away from the team due to personal reasons and had been on the injured list previously. Joe Musgrove is also on the IL with a bone spur and bruise in his right elbow. The Padres need another dependable arm in the rotation as they look to contend. Skubal would be a longer-term addition and the type of splash Preller loves to make.