New York Yankees listed with Toronto Blue Jays to battle for star who is expected to get a $500 million deal

The New York Yankees might very well find themselves in a massive bidding war if Tarik Skubal becomes available at the trade deadline. The question for the Yankees and Hal Steinbrenner is whether he's willing to do what it takes to land a pitcher of his caliber when the other big boys are around.

Mike Axisa of CBS Sports predicted that the Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays could be among the top landing spots for the left-hander if the Detroit Tigers decide to trade him.

Allowing Skubal to go to Toronto would be a worst-case scenario outcome for the Yankees.

"Do I think it's likely the Tigers stumble so badly the first four months of the season that they seriously consider trading Skubal at the deadline? No, I don't. Is it possible? Absolutely. The Tigers had a rough finish to 2025, particularly on offense, and that's not something Framber Valdez and Justin Verlander will fix. 

"A middling offense and untimely pitching injuries could push the Tigers out of the race and put Skubal on the block. Even as a rental with an enormous salary (he would still be owed about $10 million at the trade deadline), the bidding war for Skubal would be fierce. He's a balance of power player, someone who can swing a division race or a postseason series all by himself," Axisa wrote.

Skubal being traded might seem a bit unlikely right now, but if the Tigers start to struggle and they know they'll lose him for nothing a few months later, there's no reason to keep him.

The Yankees, even if they think they'll lose him in free agency, should make the trade if they're in a position to win it all.

More MLB news:

• New York Mets’ Kodai Senga in trade rumors entering season after brutal showing last year
• Los Angeles Dodgers among teams like New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays to battle over best player in baseball
• Former New York Yankees starter listed as trade candidate ahead of new campaign
• Los Angeles Dodgers already listed as team that could trade for star after another impressive offseason
• New York Yankees among early options to land high-end star despite already having what he brings
• Boston Red Sox slugger already drawing trade buzz due to Roman Anthony reason