RUMOR ALERT: Skubal to Boston? The Blockbuster That Could Propel Red Sox Back to the Top.vc
THE MISSING PIECE: PAIRING A TWO-TIME CY YOUNG WITH GARRETT CROCHET
Rumors are intensifying that the Boston Red Sox are actively monitoring, and potentially engaging in, trade discussions for Detroit Tigers ace and two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, Tarik Skubal. With the Detroit Tigers organization unwilling to declare Skubal “untouchable,” the Red Sox recognize the opportunity to acquire the one missing piece that could make them the dominant force in the AL East.
The concept is simple but terrifying for opponents: pairing the established excellence of Tarik Skubal with the strikeout power of Garrett Crochet (acquired last offseason) would instantly give the Red Sox the most formidable 1-2 punch in all of baseball.
IS THIS THE TRADE? THE RISKS AND REWARDS
Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow has already shown a willingness to make bold moves by acquiring Crochet and other veterans this offseason. However, acquiring Skubal would be a trade of a magnitude rarely seen for a player with only one year of team control remaining (Skubal is a free agent after 2026).
✅ The Argument for the Trade (Propelling to the Top)
- Elite Pitching Duo: Skubal’s 2.21 ERA and sub-0.90 WHIP in 2025, combined with Crochet’s velocity and innings capability, would essentially guarantee the Red Sox a decisive advantage in every series.
- The Yankees Rivalry: The move is a statement. After losing the AL Wild Card to the Yankees, acquiring the best available pitcher—a pitcher who was neck-and-neck with Crochet in the 2025 Cy Young race—gives Boston a massive psychological edge.
- Deep Farm System: The Red Sox still boast a top farm system, including a surplus of talented outfielders (Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela) and pitching prospects (Connelly Early, Payton Tolle) who could anchor a huge return package without sacrificing the team’s entire future.
❌ The Argument Against the Trade (The Cost)
- Exorbitant Price: Detroit’s asking price is reportedly “enormous.” Analysts speculate a trade would require a minimum of two top-100 prospects and one established young Major League player (like Wilyer Abreu or Triston Casas).
- The Rental Risk: Skubal is represented by Scott Boras, making a pre-free-agency extension highly unlikely. The Red Sox would be giving up a king’s ransom for a likely one-year rental, hoping to re-sign him in free agency (where he is projected to command a $400M+ contract).
- Offensive Need: Some argue the greater need remains offense, particularly after missing out on players like Pete Alonso, and that the prospects required for Skubal should be used to acquire a star hitter.
THE POTENTIAL PACKAGE
While the Dodgers are also heavily linked to Skubal, the Red Sox have the assets to compete. The Tigers would likely demand a package resembling:
| Prospect Tier | Player Examples |
| Top Prospect | OF Jhostynxon Garcia or IF Franklin Arias |
| MLB-Ready Talent | OF Wilyer Abreu or 1B Triston Casas |
| Pitching Depth | RHP Connelly Early or LHP Payton Tolle |
If the Red Sox pull off this audacious move, it immediately signals they are finished rebuilding and have one goal: hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy in 2026.
