Mariners must consider Tarik Skubal alternative hiding in plain sight in AL West

We've already covered the whole Tarik Skubal situation in detail, including proposing a huge (and serious) trade package by the Mariners which could feasibly land him from the Tigers. However, the risk remains that you'd be giving up a significant haul for a pitcher who'll likely walk at the end of this season. Now though, a potential alternative has emerged in Reid Detmers.

There's no denying Skubal would be the best option in an ideal world, while simultaneously providing the ultimate proof of ownership's commitment to winning now. Additionally, as per Travis Sawchik of MLB.com: "The Mariners' rotation is all right-handed in a season when left-handed hitters are posting their best wRC+ (108) since WWII, and greatest share of plate appearances in history."

Still, as much as an impact lefty would undoubtedly help the Mariners, we're still likely talking about paying a prospect premium for less than half a season of Skubal. So if you're going to give up a lot for a southpaw, why not go for a more controllable guy? Enter Detmers, who Bob Nightengale of USA Today claims "is starting to pick up plenty of traction among teams seeking a starter at the trade deadline."

We appreciate he's not Skubal, but Detmers makes for an intriguing alternative who's only 26 and has two more years of control following this season. As noted by Nightengale, he's been on a tear of late, with a 1.73 ERA in his past four starts. During that time he's pitched 26 innings, producing a stellar 0.54 WHIP and 37 strikeouts, while only allowing a .105 opposing batting average.

Reid Detmers is having a strong season overall, but will the Angels bite?

Additionally, for as hot as Detmers has been recently, his season as a whole has been impressive. While his 4.00 ERA in 14 starts doesn't stand out, his xERA is 2.87 for an Angels team in the AL West cellar. Besides, he's leading the AL in K/9 and and has basically the same WHIP as Chris Sale.

Sure, statistics can be manipulated to support any argument, but Detmers' overall quality this season cannot be disputed. The main question is if the Angels would be willing to complete an in-division trade, and risk having the decision being thrown (or should that be pitched?) back in their face over the next two-plus seasons?

It theoretically helps that Jerry Dipoto has a long-term connection with the Angels organization, based on his time in Anaheim as their general manager between 2011-15. Heck, maybe Dipoto can use this relationship to snag another Angel too, such as Jo Adell or Oswald Peraza, although that might be getting a little too greedy now.

Irrespective, as much as the price will probably be steep just because of competing bids alone, the Mariners need to take a serious look at Detmers to boost the rotation. In a season which has a path set up for them to finally earn that first ever World Series berth, now is not the time to be cheap or cautious.

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