Buzzy Tarik Skubal trade scenarios are good for Mariners even if they're not involved

In an ideal world the Mariners would love to trade for Tarik Skubal and take their rotation from All-Star level to All-World. However, the second-best option would be getting him out of the American League altogether. And if Jim Bowden's latest offering with The Athletic is anything to go by, this appears to be a feasible scenario.

Given that Bowden has a resume which includes being senior vice president and general manager for two Major League teams, we like to think the guy has some credibility. (He was also named 1999 MLB Executive of the Year by Baseball America.) And with speculation rife that the Tigers will move Skubal, he picked the seven most likely trade partners.

Bowden doesn't mention the Mariners, although that's not surprising. They CAN make a move for Skubal if they want, but it's not what you would call "necessary." However, the silver lining is that four of Bowden's seven likely landing spots are in the National League, including the Dodgers (of course), Cubs, Padres and Diamondbacks.

As if this isn't enough, the Brewers have also been getting some love as a potential trade partner from the likes of Dontrelle Willis and Joel Sherman. The Phillies are also getting the "don't rule them out" treatment from Ken Rosenthal.

Certainly, you have to like the odds if six of the serious contenders to land Skubal are in the NL. Of course it's appreciated this is all just speculation at this stage, but we're all for getting him out of the American League full stop, therefore lessening the chances of the Mariners having to face him in October.

Mariners would prefer not to push their luck when it comes to facing Tarik Skubal

Sure, the Mariners beat the Tigers all four times they faced Skubal last season, including twice in the ALDS. However, no one's under any illusion that this means they have a hex over his head; the guy was particularly dominant versus the M's in the two playoff games. You'd rather not take the risk of having to face him again come crunch time -- banking on continuing to beat him is the stuff of far-fetched fantasies.

First things first though, the two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner needs to come back from the elbow surgery which has kept him out of action since the start of May. Prior to the injury he was looking as effective as ever, but any potential trade partners will clearly want to see him pitch again first. For what it's worth, Skubal himself says he's focused on just getting on the mound and helping the Tigers win some games.

However, with the Tigers half a game off the AL Central basement and with one of the worst records in the majors, it makes increasing sense they will try to move Skubal ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. He'll become a free agent after this season and the two sides are nowhere close on any potential contract extension. Assuming a trade takes place and the Mariners aren't in the equation, they sure as heck will be hoping an NL team does in fact land him.

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