The Baltimore Orioles, after signing Pete Alonso to a $155 million deal and trading for Taylor Ward, are now in clear starting pitching mode.
Whether it’s a free agent, a trade, or a waiver claim, the Orioles are clearly targeting a new starting pitcher. If they want to go big, the Orioles could try making a splash for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
Tigers writer Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press pitched a trade idea between Baltimore and Detroit. It’s a wild one, which sends Jackson Holliday to the Tigers as part of a four-player package for Skubal.
Orioles trade idea sends Jackson Holliday-centered package to Tigers for Tarik Skubal
“Tigers acquire: 2B/SS Jackson Holliday, LHP Cade Povich, RHP Trey Gibson, OF Reed Trimble,” Petzold proposed.
Holliday is a massive piece to give up in this proposed deal. He’s currently slotted into the Orioles’ second-base spot and is under club control through the 2030 season. Moving on from him in a trade would need to be for a huge return, and Skubal certainly fits the bill.
But, when adding Povich, a 25-year-old starter who’s under control through 2030, Gibson, the Orioles’ 12th-ranked prospect, and another prospect in Trimble, it’s a very high price to pay for Skubal.
If the Tigers’ ace were under club control beyond 2026, even if for just one more season, then this package would be more reasonable.
But, Skubal is only under control through 2026, and with his intention to hit free agency and sign a big contract, which could reach as high as $400 million, the Orioles would be losing Holliday and Povich for one season of Skubal.
The Orioles need starting pitching help, and Skubal is the best one available this winter. But the Tigers’ asking price is absurdly high, and it doesn’t align with the Orioles’ plans.
The 2026 season isn’t the be-all-end-all for the Orioles. They’ve constructed a roster for the next few years, and Skubal, while great, would hurt their long-term roster immensely.
This trade idea from Petzold is a wild one, as Holliday and Povich are two very lofty assets to give up in any trade, let alone the same one, and for a one-year rental.
If this is the Orioles’ barrier to entry to Skubal, Baltimore isn’t likely to be invested in his trade market this offseason.
