Tampa Bay is NOT messing around at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, going all-in for Tigers' ace and two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. Multiple reports confirm the Rays are planning to be "aggressive buyers" at the deadline, and Skubal is their absolute primary target as they look to seriously bolster their chances in the American League East. This ain't no casual inquiry; they're coming in hot.
Tarik Skubal: The Real Deal, But At What Cost?
Man, Skubal is a bonafide superstar pitcher, no doubt. After going under the knife for surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow, he's come roaring back, throwing heat for six starts with a solid 3.62 ERA and a ridiculous 44 strikeouts to just 5 walks. That's not just good, that's "I'm still a two-time Cy Young winner, thank you very much" kind of stuff. The catch? He's a free agent after the season, making him a prime rental target, and he’s still got the remainder of a record $32 million arbitration salary to be paid out. The Rays aren't stopping there either; part of this aggressive deadline plan includes Diamondbacks' second baseman Ketel Marte. But here’s the kicker: whether the Tigers and D-backs are willing to part with these stars depends entirely on their wild-card races. As of July 13th, the Tigers are just 3.5 games back of an AL wild-card spot, and the D-backs are only 2.5 back. It means these deals are hanging on a knife's edge, depending on if those teams decide to push or pull the plug. Marte also has a longer contract, signed through 2030 with an $11.5 million player option for 2031.Who's Snagging Spencer Steer From The Cellar-Dwelling Reds?
Meanwhile, it's not just the big fish making waves. "Multiple teams" are reportedly eyeing Spencer Steer from the Cincinnati Reds, according to USA Today. This dude is a versatile player, covering first base, third base, and the outfield. He's 28 years old, batting .247/.328/.421 this season, which isn't exactly setting the world on fire, but he's been around league average offensively most of his career and absolutely crushes lefties with a .269/.356/.478 slash line. The Reds are in a rough spot, sitting dead last in the NL Central, a whopping 15.5 games behind the Brewers. They're also eight games back of a wild-card spot, with only three other teams further from the postseason at the All-Star break, and the Nationals are four games ahead of them in the wild-card standings. So, yeah, Cincinnati is clearly in sell mode. Steer isn't a rental, though; he's arbitration-eligible and under contract until 2029, with a $4 million salary this year. He's a solid, multi-year piece for a team looking to add depth without breaking the bank for just a few months. The 2026 trade deadline is right around the corner, folks. Teams are scrambling, trying to figure out if they're buyers or sellers, and these potential moves for Skubal and Steer could absolutely reshape the American League and National League wild-card pictures. Keep your eyes peeled, because it's about to get wild!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.