Bob Nightengale of USA Today<\/a> recently wrote about the Rays’ plan to be aggressive at the trade deadline and that they have their eyes on Detroit Tigers starter Tarik Skubal.\u00a0<\/p>\n Skubal Would Legitimize Tampa Bay Jul 7, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches in the second inning against the Athletics at Comerica Park. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n Even though the Rays have been one of the best teams in baseball and are holding the best record in the American League, winning in the postseason is a different game.\u00a0<\/p>\n When looking at the AL, the team has to like their chances of being able to make some real noise. The New York Yankees are still without Aaron Judge, but come playoff time, their pitching staff could be a real problem in a series.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, the Rays might be able to combat them if they added Skubal. In a potential seven-game series, having Skubal, Drew Rasmussen, Shane McClanahan, and Nick Martinez would be an impressive group<\/a>, and one that is World Series caliber.\u00a0<\/p>\n While Skubal might still believe in the Tigers, they have to be wise. He is going to hit the open market at the end of the year and likely reset things with the biggest contract ever given to a pitcher.\u00a0<\/p>\n As a two-time AL Cy Young Award winner, he is a complete game-changer on the mound and has a plethora of postseason experience from the last two years. If the Rays are truly going to be aggressive, Skubal makes a ton of sense for them.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Detroit](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01kxbe12wxp33rc9hvne.jpg\" "\\"Detroit")
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