Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jun 17

ESPN Lists 100 MLB Trade Candidates Before Aug. 3 Deadline, Led by Tarik Skubal at 85%

Updated

Updated · ESPN · Jun 17

ESPN Lists 100 MLB Trade Candidates Before Aug. 3 Deadline, Led by Tarik Skubal at 85%

Q: What astronomical price are the Tigers demanding to trade their two-time Cy Young winning ace, Tarik Skubal?

The Tigers’ asking price for Tarik Skubal is essentially a franchise-shaping haul: at least one elite, top-100 prospect, multiple additional near-MLB pieces, and ideally a controllable big league player. The reporting does not cite a single fixed package, but the consistent theme is that Detroit would want an “enormous” or “astronomical” return because Skubal is a true ace under control through 2026. Rival evaluators and ESPN’s trade models suggest the Tigers are prioritizing controllable pitching and athletic position players who are close to the majors, not just distant upside. In practical terms, that means offers in the range of a top-50 or top-100 prospect plus two or three other strong prospects, or a package built around a young major league starter and premium minor league talent. Some hypothetical examples cited by analysts include packages such as the Cubs offering Matt Shaw, Pedro Ramírez, Jaxon Wiggins and Kevin Alcántara, or the Pirates offering Bubba Chandler, Khristian Curtis, Jaden Woods and a draft pick. The clearest answer is that Detroit is not looking for a routine deadline return. It would take a major overpay — the kind of package that includes premium, upper-level talent and could alter the Tigers’ core for years — for them to move Skubal.

Q: Byron Buxton holds a full no-trade clause. Which contender can convince him to waive it for a title run?

The Atlanta Braves are the clearest contender that could get Byron Buxton to waive his full no-trade clause. That case rests on both fit and motivation. Buxton is a Georgia native, and multiple reports have tied him most plausibly to Atlanta if he ever agrees to leave Minnesota. The Braves also offer exactly what would matter in such a decision: a credible World Series path, a stable contender, and a roster need for another impact outfielder. Even with Michael Harris II in center, Atlanta could use Buxton’s elite defense, power and athleticism elsewhere in the outfield. The key variable is not just Atlanta’s interest, but Minnesota’s direction. Buxton has publicly been adamant that he wants to remain a Twin, and his contract runs through 2028. But reporting indicates he wants to play for a winner and could reconsider if the Twins begin a broader selloff or signal a deeper reset by moving core pieces. In that scenario, Atlanta appears to be the one destination with the strongest personal and competitive pull. The Yankees are another logical suitor because of their need for outfield help, especially with Aaron Judge sidelined, and they have been linked to Buxton. The Mets have also drawn mention in past speculation. But neither has the same combination of hometown appeal and title-run logic that Atlanta does. If Buxton waives the clause for anyone, the Braves remain the best bet.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 17

With less than seven weeks until the Aug. 3 deadline, ESPN ranked 100 potential MLB trade candidates by trade value, using a 10% minimum likelihood and rest-of-season impact as a tiebreaker.
Tarik Skubal topped the list with an 85% trade chance, as Detroit sits six games out of the final AL wild card and behind six teams, making the Cy Young-winning lefty the market's premier ace.
Minnesota placed multiple stars near the top, including Byron Buxton at 30%, Joe Ryan at 55% and Ryan Jeffers at 85%, reflecting expectations the Twins could lean further into a rebuild.
Other prominent names included Houston shortstop Jeremy Pena at 35%, Boston closer Aroldis Chapman at 90% and Miami's Sandy Alcantara at 40%, with contenders' needs and contract control shaping each player's market.