Tarik Skubal Is The Best Pitcher In Baseball, And Mariners Fans Should Be Demanding Action Right Now

Alright, Emerald City, listen up! You know that feeling when you're buzzing from a win, but then you see something that could blow the entire season wide open? That's where we're at, folks. ESPN insiders Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan just dropped a BOMBSHELL: Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers ace, the guy who's won back-to-back Cy Young Awards, is the number one trade candidate, and his chance of being dealt? A whopping 85%! We just saw Canzone homer and Gilbert absolutely shut down the Red Sox for a 3-1 win, which was awesome, but what if we could add the *best pitcher in the world* to that? Seriously, Seattle, this is not a drill.

Skubal: The Game-Changer The M's Need?

This isn't just *a* good pitcher, this is THE guy who could carry a team deep into the postseason. We're talking game-changing impact, pure and simple. Skubal only has the remainder of 2026 under control, which means the Tigers, who are already in a six-game hole for the final wild card spot and behind six other teams, are more than likely to move him. And get this: he just returned from midseason bone chip surgery hitting 99.9 mph on his fastball. Concerns about his stuff? Answered! Imagine that arm dominating at T-Mobile Park! The scouting report on Skubal is ridiculous, too. He's rocking a 95 to 98 mph four-seamer, one of the best changeups in the league, plus a sinker, a slider

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, and a slurve that are all above average. His command is plus. This dude has hardware for a reason, folks! Dodgers, Yankees, Braves, Brewers, Blue Jays, Rays, they're all in the "best fits" list. Our Mariners *have* to be in this conversation. What are we even waiting for? This is the kind of move that defines a season.

Byron Buxton and The Mariners Handle Business

Speaking of game-changers, Byron Buxton, the Minnesota Twins center fielder, is also on the list at number two, though his situation is a bit trickier with his no-trade protection. Buxton's 32, has two more years after 2026 at a little over $15 million, and he wants to win. The Twins aren't exactly doing that this year, so if he indicates he'd waive his clause, he'd be another massive piece. But let's be real, Skubal is the clear, urgent target here. While we're talking big moves, let's not forget our Mariners just handled business! Canzone crushing a homer and Gilbert dealing, allowing just three hits against the Red Sox for that 3-1 victory? That's how you stay in the fight. Our boys are grinding, and it shows. The MLB trade deadline on August 3rd is less than seven weeks away, and conversations are already ramping up. The M's showed grit with that 3-1 win against Boston, but with a player like Skubal out there, the stakes for what this season could be just got sky-high. We need to see our front office make a splash, a real defining move. What are we waiting for, Seattle? Let's go get our guy!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.