New Mariners Trade Proposal For Tarik Skubal Emerges

The Seattle Mariners can’t be ruled out from making a bold move for Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal. In a recent analysis for Bleacher Report, Zachary D. Rymer proposed a deal that accounts for Seattle’s financial constraints while monumentally upgrading their already strong rotation.

Rymer’s proposed trade: “Seattle Mariners get LHP Tarik Skubal; Detroit Tigers get OF Randy Arozarena, RHP Bryce Miller, OF Lazaro Montes (MLB No. 43).”

Rymer acknowledges the unusual structure of the deal. “Does this one look weird?” he wrote. “It probably does, but that’s because it’s hard to imagine the Mariners taking on Skubal without also dumping some salary. Skubal could make $32 million in 2026 if he wins his arbitration case, whereas Arozarena and Miller are on the books for $18.1 million. If it means putting Skubal at the head of an already elite rotation, you gladly take the $14 million step up if you’re Seattle.”

For Detroit, the return would feature immediate contributors. “If you’re Detroit, this trade nets an All-Star hitter in Arozarena, who is also headed into his walk year,” Rymer continued. “He’d be an instant upgrade for the middle of the lineup, while Miller—who was quietly Seattle’s best pitcher in 2024 before running into elbow trouble in 2025—would step right into Skubal’s shoes in the rotation.”

Rymer added that Miller offers control through 2029, and Montes, likened to Yordan Alvarez, could debut soon as a top slugger.

Rymer also explained why Seattle might experience hesitation over this package. “They’ve been adamant that they won’t subtract from their major league roster in any trades, which instantly nixes the Arozarena/Miller component of this proposal. More generally, the franchise also just seems too risk-averse to go all-in on a rental.”