Tenacious D

I wonder if Torres has any trade value? Reasonable contract.

I suspect any real trade “haul” will ultimately underwhelm compared to what is being speculated by podcasters and ex-general managers.

We were just leaving it to you.

Alabama? Is he part of a witness protection?

Oh, the irony

Yes. Btw, not intending to single you out. Seeing what I perceive to be conclusions all over the place. Yes, could be the TB model, but I don’t see it. Skubal’s case is so unusual—he’ll get a record breaking deal, so not sure it will suggest the Tigers won’t always extend their own.

I interpret the notion of going all-in as acquiring ready players and not counting on prospects. Not sure it hurts you in ‘27 and beyond except financially.

I don’t get where this is coming from. We don’t know anything yet. All this speculation about what Harris wants to do, but we really don’t know. We don’t know if they are trying to sign Skubal, plan to, if Skubal is receptive or willing to forego free agency. We don’t know if Ilitch will be cheap this offseason or if it will be Harris’ call not to spend on a big free agent. We don’t know if big free agents will shun us if given the chance. We don’t know if any prospects will get traded or are preventing us from signing or trading for someone. We can’t say “seems” or anything more conclusive. It’s Tuesday of the Winter Meetings. Few players have moved and the offseason has months left. Let’s check back in mid-February. In the meantime, it’s fun to speculate about things that no one, outside of Harris and his Gerk Squad, knows.

Way more than I would have thought. That’s a good thing—must have been a market for him.

Who said he has to be dealt for minor leaguers?

I think it’s the opposite. Would take balls to trade him—he will instantly piss off all Tigers fans.

The other thing is that we really don’t know what a return could be for Skubal. All speculation has come from podcasts and industry insiders. They might be much more bullish than what teams will be willing to surrender.

I guess I don't see trading Skubal as a surrender for '26. There are only two elite pitchers in MLB--him and Skenes. Other teams learn to win without generational talent (which there are currently few--maybe add Ohtani and Judge to that group). Depending on who we would get in return, along with other moves, we might end up with a very competitive and sustainable team. For example, if the Tigers (hypothetically) made the Jim Bowden proposed trade, we could end up with Tyler Glasnow and Emmet Sheehan for the rotation. And potentially sign one of the free agent starters (i.e., King, Valdez, Suarez, etc...). Are we really worse off than if we just had Skubal in '26? Each of the replacement pitchers would be controllable for the next 3-5 seasons. I'm not necessarily advocating trading Skubal, but I also don't think it has to be a setback for '26 and might be more advantageous beyond that.

Do they publish who were on the veterans committee voting?

Finally, we agree. I think the only outlier to this are the Mets who seem willing to act a bit more impulsively and take risks. But I don’t think Harris wants to trade Skubal.

Respectfully disagree—they need to go out and get a much better starter to slot in behind Skubal. After next season, each of Skubal, Mize and Flaherty can walk. I really hope we’re not trying to plug 2-3 critical spots in the rotation in one offseason next winter.

Which side of the argument are you on? Trading Skubal vs losing him via the free agency process is potentially more damaging to the Tigers reputation. (though I still maintain that neither would have much impact on other players consideration).

Nope. Might become a better hitter over time, but will never reach him defensively.

What if Skubal chooses to leave? He’s not under any obligation to stay. Did it prevent either San Diego or NY to appeal to other free agents when they both let Juan Soto leave? And teams have tanked numerous times to stockpile young talent. Houston did this famously and subsequently become a playoff team. Players will go where they can get the most lucrative deal for them. Not every player can go to the NY teams, Dodgers or Cubs. Thank God for roster limits. Eventually some players will have to consider other markets. The Tigers have a very compelling case to make to appeal to free agents.

You know this is ridiculous, right? That an agent would steer a player away from an up and coming team because Skubal chose to play elsewhere? How did we ever sign a free agent prior to drafting Tarik?

I like Finnegan, but not as a closer. Give him the 7th, Vest the 8th and a real closer for the 9th. 2 years/$15M is probably his ceiling.

If we’re gonna write a big check for a closer, I’d prefer a K artist like Diaz.

Interestingly, BA had a podcast where they listed the top 40 “dynasty” second baseman, which blended MLB and minors. Jazz Chisholm was #1. However, McGonigle was #2, which they acknowledged was unusual for a minors guys to be that high, but they were very bullish on his bat and projection.

I think the only bat will be an OF, if at all. Unless they try and trade Tork, opening 1B for Keith.

I can verify this. The bot’s name is Petzold