Orioles-Tarik Skubal Trade Proposal Surprisingly Emerges

The Baltimore Orioles have established themselves as a serious spender this offseason. Maybe they can’t be ruled out as a potential suitor in the ongoing Tarik Skubal trade speculation.

In a recent piece for Bleacher Report, Zachary D. Rymer outlined a hypothetical deal that would send Skubal to Baltimore in exchange for a package centered on outfield prospect Dylan Beavers.

The proposed trade, per Rymer: “Baltimore Orioles get LHP Tarik Skubal; Detroit Tigers get OF Dylan Beavers (MLB No. 69), RHP Trey Gibson, LHP Luis De Leon.”

Rymer explained why this could make sense for both sides. “Though the Orioles are already one of the big winners of the offseason, they still haven’t added the top-of-the-rotation starter that they need in front of Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish,” he wrote. “Skubal is their best possible option, and the O’s would not be kidding themselves if they reasoned that the time is right to go all-in on renting him. They may have finished in last place in 2025, but early projections for 2026 rate them as a top-10 team.”

For Detroit, the deal would focus on bolstering its offense and pitching depth. “For the Tigers, the idea would be to counter the loss of Skubal from the rotation by adding Beavers to the offense,” Rymer wrote. “It does need another bat, and he offers instant upside as a high-OBP type with solid power as a regular outfielder.”

He added that Gibson and De Leon, while not top-100 prospects, rank among Baltimore’s five best according to Baseball America. “As a big guy with big stuff, Gibson would carry special appeal as a candidate to help Detroit’s rotation as soon as this year,” Rymer added.

Skubal, the reigning back-to-back American League Cy Young winner, posted a stellar 2025 season with a 2.39 ERA and 234 strikeouts over 192 innings. His addition would instantly elevate Baltimore’s staff, which struggled with consistency last year.

However, Rymer is skeptical about the Tigers accepting this offer. “This wouldn’t be a bad return for Skubal, but it’s nowhere near good enough to keep their contention hopes alive in 2026. None of those three players is established, and even the ostensible prize (Beavers) isn’t quite an elite prospect.”

The Orioles, under new ownership, have shown aggression this winter, but landing Skubal would require parting with promising talent. Detroit, meanwhile, has indicated a willingness to listen on their ace but only for a substantial return.