John Smoltz says Tigers should trade Tarik Skubal under one condition

Hall of Famer John Smoltz spoke out last week with a shocking – if not polarizing – stance on the Detroit Tigers trading their ace, Tarik Skubal.

In an interview with Rowan Kavner of Fox Sports, Smoltz said that the Tigers "have to" make Skubal available for the right price, particularly if they are not going to make a legitimate playoff push this year. Smoltz called Skubal the ultimate "prize" of this year's trade deadline and added that Detroit should be "flaunting him for a big package."

Skubal has been the best pitcher in the game this season, compiling a 12-3 record to go along with a 2.35 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, a 6.42 K/BB ratio in 130.0 innings pitched. There are certainly teams already in the playoff mix that are desperate enough to add a lockdown starter of Skubal's caliber to their starting rotations.

Smoltz doubled down on his stance over the weekend in a July 27 episode of Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander.

“If I’m Detroit, and I’m in a position where I have to tell the fans, 'It was too good to pass up,'" he said, "then yes, you trade him."

Smoltz: Tigers should trade Skubal to a contender if offer is 'too good to pass up'

As Smoltz sees it, any top-prospect-hoarding team willing to pony up could land Skubal – if Detroit is willing to entertain the offer, that is.

MLB Network insider Jon Morosi reported Monday morning that the Tigers were remaining in contact with the Baltimore Orioles on a possible Skubal trade, but added that "there's no deal close at this hour." The Orioles happen to have MLB's No. 1 overall prospect in infielder Jackson Holliday, who is currently playing in Triple-A Norfolk, but they remain hesitant to move him. Understandable as that may be, the Orioles's stubbornness with Holliday will likely cost them Skubal.

The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are among the other playoff-bound teams in the market for front-of-the-rotation pitching. But the Tigers aren't under any pressure to unload Skubal, who still has two seasons of team control remaining on his contract after this one. Unless they get an offer that truly is "too good to pass up" – say, a package anchored by Holliday – don't expect them to part with their ace anytime soon.

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