Mariners predicted to win bidding war for $32 million ace in unexpected trade outcome

The Seattle Mariners are very obviously going to be trade deadline buyers at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, assuming they don't collapse in June and July.

When they do buy, some offensive firepower will be high on the list of priorities, as well as some extra bullpen help. But, starting pitching is not a need, as they actually have a room that's a bit too crowded at the moment.

However, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller is predicting that the Mariners will be the team to win the bidding war for $32 million Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal at the deadline in what would be an incredibly unexpected trade outcome.

Mariners predicted to win Tarik Skubal sweepstakes

"Seattle Mariners win Tarik Skubal sweepstakes," Miller writes. "... Well, why not the Seattle Mariners? The urgency to swing big for a rental is surely there. ...The window won't stay open forever."

The Mariners being the team to win the Skubal sweepstakes would be a surprise. If there were any team that doesn't need Skubal, the Mariners might be one of them.

George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Emerson Hancock, Bryan Woo, Bryce Miller, and Luis Castillo make up a very strong starting rotation that goes six pitchers deep.

For a playoff series, teams realistically only need four starters to compete, and the Marienrs are already stacked at the position. But if they wanted to go all-in for 2026, then Skubal would be a good way of doing it.

They could look to trade one of their quality starters to avoid having to give up a massive prospect package, or they could keep their pitching staff, add Skubal, and have MLB's deepest rotation ready to shut offenses down come the postseason.

MORE: Tarik Skubal being traded by Tigers would help him in free agency

Skubal is going to be a free agent after the season is over, and since he's on a $32 million deal right now, the Mariners will have to take on a bit of money in this deal.

They're already spending a lot on this roster, but adding someone like Skubal is more than worth taking the chance on since he's such a good player.

Of course, the rotation would be as crowded as ever, but if Seattle believes they can win it all, why not add Skubal, arguably the best pitcher in MLB right now?

This prediction from Miller would be an unexpected outcome at the trade deadline, but it doesn't mean it wouldn't be very fun.

Adding Skubal to this rotation would give the Mariners the best rotation in MLB, which could make the difference in a World Series appearance or another playoff exit.

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