Will New York continue to trade Tarik Skubal this offseason?

The New York Mets are back at the center of MLB trade rumors as the 2025 season draws to a close, this time potentially with their eyes Detroit Tigers superstar pitcher Tarik Skubal. With Skubal’s contract status apparently creating tension in the Tigers’ front office, New York may want to pounce.

Skubal, 28, enters his walk in 2026 after back-to-back dominant seasons. Reigning AL winner Cy Young has posted a 2.30 ERA over the past two seasons while logging over 190 innings each year. Despite undergoing two Tommy John surgeries, he remains one of the most desirable arms on the market. The Tigers reportedly offered him a deal worth $150 million to $170 million, but the pitcher and agent Scott Boras are asking for over $400 million, according to the article wrote The Athletic’s Will Sammon.

Semon also noted that the two were far from an agreement according to sources. He referred to New York Post reports that Detroit and the reigning AL Cy Young winner had more than $200 million in contract negotiations last year.

The outlook for the Mets rotation heading into the offseason is dim. Kodai Senga has struggled with injuries, while depth pieces like Shawn Manae and David Peterson have been inconsistent. Rookie Nolan Maclin has shown flashes but remains raw. Prospects Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong have been intriguing but unproven all season. With limited stability, the club is expected to be active this winter.

Skubal trade will not be cheap. Detroit would likely demand two top prospects and a top position player in return. A prospect package could include Tong, Sproat and versatile infielder and top prospect Jett Williams. That kind of deal would be unorthodox for David Stearns, who has typically avoided parting ways with top talent during his tenure. But with pressure mounting and a clear need for pitching, the Mets may be ready to change course and turn the roster around.

The Mets front office has shown a willingness to potentially make such a move. If the southpaw becomes available, New York could make one more offseason — similar to their pursuit of Garrett Croce in 2024, though a deal never materialized with the Chicago White Sox.

The Tigers’ decision will define their offseason plans. Whether they decide to extend or trade Skubala, the outcome could reshape both franchises and set the tone for the MLB trade cycle this winter.