Yankees Propose Blockbuster Trade for Tigers' Ace Skubal

The deal would send three top prospects to Detroit in exchange for the All-Star lefty.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The New York Yankees are reportedly considering a blockbuster trade proposal that would send three of their top prospects - Cam Schlittler, George Lombard Jr., and Spencer Jones - to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for All-Star left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal. The proposed deal would give the Yankees a formidable rotation alongside ace Gerrit Cole, as they look to end their championship drought.

Why it matters

The Yankees have not won a World Series title since 2009, their longest drought in decades. Acquiring an elite pitcher like Skubal could help them get over the hump and compete with top teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the steep price in prospects may give the Yankees pause, as they would be parting with multiple top young talents.

The details

According to the report, the proposed trade would send Skubal, one of the best left-handed starters in baseball, to the Yankees in exchange for three of their top prospects: Cam Schlittler, George Lombard Jr., and Spencer Jones. While a massive haul, the report argues the price reflects Skubal's immense talent and the Yankees' desperation to end their championship drought.

  • The proposed trade was reported on February 20, 2026.

The players

Tarik Skubal

An All-Star left-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, considered one of the best young pitchers in baseball.

Cam Schlittler

A top pitching prospect in the Yankees' farm system.

George Lombard Jr.

A highly-touted outfield prospect in the Yankees' organization.

Spencer Jones

Another elite Yankees prospect, a power-hitting outfielder.

Gerrit Cole

The Yankees' ace right-handed pitcher and one of the best starters in MLB.

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What they’re saying

“The Yankees are a team that needs to win now. They are a franchise that is used to winning, but they are mired in one of their longest World Series droughts in the team's history. Even at a price as steep as this, this move is worth it for a team like the Yankees trying to get over the hump and win a championship. Skubal is one of the best pitchers on the planet and could help them get by high-end teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers.”

— Mark Morales-Smith, Sports Illustrated Writer (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The Yankees and Tigers would need to agree on the proposed trade terms, which may require further negotiations. If the deal is completed, Skubal would immediately bolster the Yankees' rotation as they aim to end their championship drought.

The takeaway

This potential blockbuster trade highlights the Yankees' urgency to win now, even if it means parting with multiple top prospects. Acquiring an elite pitcher like Skubal could give them the boost they need to compete with the top teams in baseball, but the steep price tag may give them pause as they weigh the long-term implications of such a move.