Cubs trade idea for Tarik Skubal from ESPN is one Tigers 'could accept'

The Chicago Cubs might need starting pitching help more than any other club in Major League Baseball this season. It's not simply a lack of depth, but a combination of poor production and injuries plaguing the rotation.

It's clear that the Cubs would be one of the many teams in on the Tarik Skubal trade market with the Detroit Tigers if the back-to-back Cy Young winner were made available. But what would the Cubs offer for Skubal?

ESPN's Jorge Castillo presented one trade idea using three prospects, which, according to ESPN's Kiley McDaniel, is one that the Tigers could actually end up accepting.

Cubs trade idea that could actually work sends 3 prospects for Tarik Skubal

"The offer: INF Pedro Ramirez, OF Kevin Alcantara, and RHP Jaxon Wiggins," Castillo writes. "Ramirez (No. 1), Wiggins (No. 4), and Alcantara (No. 6) are three of the Cubs' six prospects. And they make sense for the Tigers."

While sending Ramirez, Wiggins, and Alcantara in one trade would be a lot to move on from in one deal, especially for a rental, if the Cubs believe they can contend for a World Series, then such a trade would make a lot of sense for the Cubs.

Fortunately, as McDaniel notes, "This is a strong package that could conceivably be the Cubs' offer in real life, and it would be one the Tigers could accept."

Skubal is currently on the injured list and rehabbing while coming off surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow. While this massive offer might not occur now, by July, such a deal might make sense.

MORE: Cubs’ cost to trade for Tarik Skubal from Tigers revealed by ex-MLB GM

Adding Skubal would be a game-changer for the Cubs, as they'd finally land the ace they've been searching for, and such a good pitcher could help ease the burden on the rest of the banged-up and struggling rotation.

While this package might be a lot, if the Cubs could actually land Skubal, it would be the difference between being serious World Series contenders and more than likely falling short.

With McDaniel noting this package might be one the Tigers actually accept, this trade idea is a realistic offer that, if the Tigers make, could get them Skubal this summer.

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