Mariners Trade Proposal: The Tigers making Tarik Skubal available

Mariners Trade Proposal #2: A bunch of young prospects for Tarik Skubal

With Detroit putting Skubal on the block, it’s likely that they are looking pretty far down the line for a window of contention. It’s why a deal centered around some of the Mariners youngest prospects makes sense. Sure, it would hurt the Mariners depth and long-term sustainability for a strong farm system, but with the window looking like it’s open, sending out some of these guys for 4.5 years of potentially dominant left-handed pitching is worth it to me.

It hurts, but the Mariners are definitely going to have to give up some talent to get Skubal. I’d say Hancock, but if the Tigers are looking way down the road, they could be looking for someone a bit younger. All three guys in this trade are 21 or younger, with Ford at 19, Alberto at 21, and Macko at 21.

Ford is playing well for a 19-year-old catcher in A ball, hitting .260/.401/.413, with 13 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR, and 14 SB. What’s impressive here is both the walk rate and the speed. Ford is a legit athlete and is showing that off out of the box and on the bases.

Macko would be the lefty replacement pitcher here, with an impressive ceiling but sitting a few years out. Rodriguez is likely slotted for a corner outfield spot but has potential for 25 HR power and decent speed. None of these guys would see time sooner than 2024, and Ford is even further out than that.