Inside The Orioles

Could Baltimore Orioles Seriously Consider Trading Holliday for Tigers Ace?

The Baltimore Orioles could be on the verge of adding another ace to the rotation but is it worth the cause?

Kade Kistner

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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While the Detroit Tigers have insinuated they have no intention of trading away ace Tarik Skubal, the MLB trade deadline makes teams do some funny things.

For over a week now there have been reports that both the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers are both interested in Skubal and have been preparing a trade package for the young ace.

Those rumors, a small burn on just a warm stove, have not been stoked into full on flames by MLB Network's Jon Morosi on Monday. According to Morosi, the Tigers have had a scout on hand watching Triple-A Norfolk, an affiliate of Baltimore's.

Additionally, Jackson Holliday, Coby Mayo, Connor Norby, and Kyle Stowers all play for Norfolk. It certainly sounds like Morosi is insinuating that any of the three could be on the board if Skubal is in play.

The largest name of all is Holliday, who spent much of his young professional career widely regarded as the top prospect in all of baseball. It would take an enamoring package, likely headlined by multiple of the Orioles' top prospects, to pull of a trade for a pitcher of Skubal's caliber, age and team control.

This season, Skubal has compiled a 2.41 ERA, with a minuscule 0.879 WHIP in 116.0 innings pitched. And perhaps even more importantly, Skubal is 27 years old with two years left of team control after the 2024 MLB season.

Detroit must determine if their window of contention opens next year and if not, then moving Skubal for a package of elite, near MLB-ready prospects may be their best course of action.

Of course, if the Tigers make the decision to move Skubal, it would be a direct 180 on what they have been telling the rest of the league for weeks.

This time of year is all about leverage. And now the stove is fully hot and roaring.

Published
Kade Kistner

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.

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