MLB Notebook: Red Sox still chasing impact bat as Dodgers land Tarik Skubal in trade deadline blockbuster

The biggest domino of the 2026 trade deadline has fallen.

The Dodgers are acquiring two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal from the Tigers, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Detroit will receive outfielder Zyhir Hope and right-handers River Ryan and Brady Smith.

Skubal’s impending free agency fueled trade speculation throughout the summer. Although Detroit remained on the edge of the American League Wild Card race, the organization ultimately elected to move its ace rather than risk losing him for only draft-pick compensation this offseason.

The 29-year-old missed time after undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery but has continued to pitch like a frontline starter when healthy. During his Cy Young seasons in 2024 and 2025, Skubal posted a 2.30 ERA over 387 1/3 innings while striking out 31.2% of opposing hitters.

He becomes the first reigning Cy Young winner traded during the following season or offseason since the Mets dealt R.A. Dickey in 2012.

Los Angeles will absorb the remainder of Skubal’s $32 million salary. Because he was traded during the season, the Dodgers will not be permitted to extend him a qualifying offer if he reaches free agency.

The move gives Los Angeles another ace to pair with Yoshinobu Yamamoto while providing much-needed certainty for a rotation that has been hit hard by injuries. Shohei Ohtani is currently limited to designated hitter duties, Tyler Glasnow has been sidelined since May, Blake Snell has made only one major league start and Gavin Stone’s return remains uncertain.

Skubal also brings a strong October track record. In six career postseason starts, he owns a 2.04 ERA with 56 strikeouts and only five unintentional walks over 39 2/3 innings.

For the Tigers, Hope headlines the return. The 21-year-old outfielder is batting .293/.369/.530 with 23 home runs and 18 stolen bases in 94 games for Double-A Tulsa.

Ryan, who turns 28 this month, made four strong starts for the Dodgers in 2024 and has returned to the mound at Triple-A following Tommy John surgery. Smith, 21, owns a 4.36 ERA with 113 strikeouts and 30 walks over 74 1/3 innings this season and was recently promoted to High-A.

The Dodgers entered deadline season looking to strengthen an already star-heavy roster. By landing the best pitcher available, they also prevented Skubal from joining another National League contender as they pursue a third consecutive World Series title.

With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Red Sox remain in the market for another impact bat as they look to strengthen a roster that's firmly in the postseason race.

Boston Searching For Upgrades

Boston addressed the lineup last weekend by acquiring infielder Curtis Mead from the Nationals in exchange for left-hander Connelly Early. But after Mead fractured his left wrist in just his second at-bat with the club, the need for another offensive addition has only intensified.

One name that continues to make sense is Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams.

Abrams would immediately transform the top half of Boston's lineup. 

Entering Saturday, the 25-year-old ranked third in the majors in slugging percentage (.563) and sixth in OPS (.930), while his 28 home runs would instantly lead the Red Sox, five ahead of Willson Contreras.

The biggest obstacle in the Abrams sweepstakes is the asking price.

According to The Athletic's Jen McCaffrey, Franklin Arias is viewed internally as the one prospect Boston would consider moving in a deal for Abrams. It would likely take Arias, plus additional pieces, to convince Washington to part with its franchise shortstop.

The 20-year-old continued his breakout season Friday night for Triple-A Worcester, homering to lead off the game before adding a double and single while driving in four runs. Between Double-A Portland and Worcester, Arias has launched 21 home runs, adding a level of power few projected this quickly.

If Boston ultimately decides Arias is untouchable, he could become a September call-up and get an opportunity to prove he's ready to contribute heading into 2027.

Abrams isn't the only elite shortstop the Red Sox have pursued.

According to MassLive's Sean McAdam, Boston also explored a blockbuster for Reds superstar Elly De La Cruz. The Red Sox reportedly offered a prospect-heavy package, but Cincinnati was interested in acquiring young major league talent rather than prospects, and Boston was unwilling to subtract from its current roster.

De La Cruz remains one of baseball's brightest young stars, entering Saturday slashing .279/.358/.508 with 18 home runs and 18 doubles while once again playing strong defense. The Reds reportedly attempted to sign him to the richest contract in franchise history before the 2025 season, but he declined the offer.

The Red Sox reportedly also asked the Reds about right-hander Hunter Greene during discussions centered on De La Cruz. Greene, who is under contract for $15 million in 2027, $16 million in 2028 and has a $21 million club option for 2029, is exactly the type of controllable frontline starter every contender covets. 

While he's been inconsistent in five starts since returning from arthroscopic elbow surgery, Greene's electric stuff remains intact, with his fastball once again averaging 98.4 mph. Despite the injury history, it's easy to see why Cincinnati has little interest in moving him.

The Red Sox also checked in on Marlins infielder Otto Lopez, though those talks have reportedly gone quiet as Miami's asking price remains exceptionally high.

With less than 48 hours until the deadline, it appears Boston is still determined to land another impact bat. The question is whether chief baseball officer Craig Breslow is willing to part with one of the organization's prized prospects to get it done.

Young Red Sox Players Who Could Be Moved Before the Trade Deadline

If the Red Sox want to land another impact bat before Monday's trade deadline, they'll likely have to part with some of their highly regarded young talent.

While Arias appears to be the organization's biggest trade chip, he's far from the only prospect who could headline or help complete a significant deal.

Marcelo Mayer

A year ago, Mayer looked like Boston's shortstop of the future. Now, his long-term fit is less certain.

With Arias rapidly climbing the organizational ladder and Trevor Story expected to return from the injured list, Mayer suddenly finds himself without a clear path.

The 23-year-old hit .220 with three home runs and 22 RBIs in 70 games before landing on the injured list in late June with a bone stress reaction in his left forearm.

Durability remains the biggest concern for Mayer. 

Since turning professional in 2022, Mayer has landed on the injured list every season. While his pedigree, defensive versatility and years of team control still carry significant value, rival clubs will undoubtedly weigh the injury history when evaluating him.

A former top-five overall prospect like Mayer would still headline many deals, but Boston may now view him as part of a larger package rather than an untouchable cornerstone.

Anthony Eyanson

Eyanson has quickly emerged as arguably the top pitching prospect in the organization.

The right-hander owns a 1.32 ERA in 16 appearances (15 starts) between High-A Greenville and Double-A Portland while striking out 94 batters in just 68 1/3 innings.

A promotion to Triple-A Worcester appears to be the logical next step, and if his dominance continues, it's not impossible to envision him helping the Red Sox before the end of the season.

Toronto followed a similar blueprint last year with Trey Yesavage, who began the season in Single-A before contributing during the Blue Jays' run to the World Series. Asking Eyanson to follow that exact path is ambitious, but it illustrates just how quickly elite pitching prospects can rise.

Because of that upside, Eyanson would likely draw significant interest from clubs looking for high-end pitching.

Hayden Mullins

Mullins could be one of the more interesting names to watch.

The left-hander has spent nearly the entire season with Double-A Portland, making one brief appearance for Triple-A Worcester. His overall numbers, a 5.52 ERA in 14 starts, don't jump off the page, but he's Rule 5 Draft eligible this winter.

Rather than risk losing him for nothing, Boston could decide this is the ideal time to include him in a trade package. Mullins could easily slot at Triple-A for any acquiring club and serve as rotation depth. 

High-A Greenville Arms

Boston also has plenty of pitching depth in High-A Greenville.

Kyson Witherspoon and Marcus Phillips, both selected in last year's draft alongside Eyanson, continue to generate interest from evaluators around the league.

Another intriguing arm is left-hander Dylan Brown, who recently cracked MLB Pipeline's Top 30 Red Sox prospects. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound lefty has posted a 3.43 ERA across 16 starts while logging 84 innings. Armed with a four-pitch mix and a fastball that sits 91-94 mph, Brown has shown swing-and-miss ability and could reach Double-A before the season ends.

Given Craig Breslow's preference for big-bodied pitchers with upside, Brown may be exactly the type of prospect another club targets in negotiations, particularly if Boston wants to avoid moving one of its elite prospects while still improving the major league roster.

Around the League

Braves/Royals Trade

The Braves continued to add ahead of Monday's trade deadline, acquiring outfielder Lane Thomas and left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter from the Royals, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. Kansas City will receive minor league pitchers Carter Holton and Lucas Braun in return.

Thomas signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal with the Royals last offseason as a bounce-back candidate, but never regained the form that made him an impact bat in Washington. Falter, meanwhile, struggled to a 13.97 ERA in five appearances (two starts) after spending time on the injured list with left elbow inflammation before eventually being designated for assignment. The 28-year-old's best season came with the Phillies in 2022, when he posted a 3.86 ERA across 20 appearances (16 starts).

White Sox Add Starter

The White Sox also made a significant move, acquiring veteran right-hander Luis Castillo from the Mariners in exchange for reliever Seranthony Domínguez, outfielder Nolan Jones and catching prospect Boston Smith, according to reports.

Chicago has been aggressive in strengthening its pitching staff, having already acquired José Urquidy earlier this week.

Castillo, a three-time All-Star, has endured a down season by his standards, posting a 5.06 ERA with 99 2/3 innings over 17 starts. Even so, the White Sox are betting on his track record while taking on the remainder of his contract, including the prorated portion of his $22.75 million salary this season, another $22.75 million in 2027, and a $25 million vesting option for 2028 if he reaches 180 innings next year.

George Kirby Available?

The Mariners may not be finished dealing.

After sending Castillo to the White Sox, Seattle is reportedly receiving calls on George Kirby, with multiple clubs checking in to see whether the former All-Star could be available in the right deal.

While there's no indication the Mariners are actively shopping Kirby, the organization suddenly has enviable rotation depth. Top prospect Kade Anderson is on the doorstep of the majors, and Seattle also has Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, Bryce Miller and Emerson Hancock under club control.

Kirby, a New York native, is earning $6.55 million this season in his second year of arbitration and remains under team control through 2029. Reports have indicated that Kirby is the least likely to sign a long-term extension, making him the most logical candidate to move if the Mariners receive an overwhelming offer.

Another pitcher to watch is Hancock.

The 26-year-old right-hander has drawn interest from several clubs and could become expendable if Anderson is promoted. Hancock remains under club control through the 2030 season and will earn close to the league minimum in 2027 before becoming arbitration eligible in 2028.

For teams seeking controllable starting pitching, Seattle appears to have one of the deepest pools of arms available as Monday's trade deadline approaches.

Sox Complete Trade

The Red Sox have finalized the July 14 trade that brought outfielder Jahmai Jones to Boston, sending left-handed pitching prospect JoJo Ingrassia to the Tigers as the player to be named later.

Ingrassia, 24, enjoyed a strong season at High-A Greenville, posting a 3.27 ERA and 1.18 WHIP while limiting opposing hitters to a .195 batting average across 13 appearances (11 starts).

Since being selected by Boston in the 14th round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Cal State Fullerton, Ingrassia has compiled a 2.56 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and held opponents to a .198 batting average over 38 minor league appearances (23 starts). His deceptive delivery has helped him rack up 173 strikeouts in 119 1/3 innings.

Since being acquired by the Red Sox, Jones has made an immediate impact, hitting .385 with two home runs, two doubles, five RBI and a 1.467 OPS. He's quickly carved out a role as Boston's left-handed pitching specialist, punishing southpaws in a manner reminiscent of Rob Refsnyder.

Tanner Houck Trending Toward Return

The Red Sox could receive an unexpected late-season boost from Tanner Houck.

The right-hander, who has not pitched since undergoing Tommy John surgery last season, is making encouraging progress at Boston's spring training complex in Fort Myers. According to interim manager Chad Tracy, Houck is throwing multiple bullpen sessions each week and has built up to more than 40 pitches.

With roughly eight weeks remaining in the regular season, the Red Sox haven't ruled out Houck contributing down the stretch.

"It's feasible that if he's able to get back — plus with his history of what he's done before, and if he's right — that guy can help you," Tracy said Saturday. "We're certainly keeping eyes on that one."

Houck was one of the American League's best pitchers during the first half of 2024, earning his first All-Star selection before finishing the season with a 3.12 ERA over 30 starts and 178 2/3 innings.

His 2025 campaign never got on track. Two disastrous outings early in the season helped inflate his ERA to 8.04 through nine starts before he made his final appearance on May 12 in Detroit. After an unsuccessful attempt to rehab the injury, Houck opted for Tommy John surgery.

If he continues progressing, Houck could return in September and give Boston another experienced arm for its postseason push, likely in a bullpen role as he builds back toward being a starter.

Angels Fielding Interest in Starters

The Angels continue to receive heavy interest in their pitching staff, with both José Soriano and Reid Detmers drawing significant attention ahead of Monday's trade deadline.

Soriano was scratched from his scheduled start Saturday, though a trade is not believed to be imminent. Instead, Los Angeles appears to be protecting one of its top trade chips while weighing whether to buy or sell.

The 26-year-old has emerged as one of the premier starters available, posting a 3.29 ERA with 127 strikeouts in 22 starts. Just as important, Soriano remains under club control through 2029, giving any acquiring team multiple years of affordable, frontline production.

Detmers is also generating substantial interest, though the Angels' asking price is reportedly enormous. The former first-round pick has a 4.03 ERA in 22 starts, but evaluators around the league believe he's pitched considerably better than the surface numbers indicate. Like Soriano, Detmers isn't eligible for free agency until after the 2029 season, making him another highly coveted controllable arm.

Philly Looking at Offense?

The Phillies are among several contenders showing interest in Giants infielder Luis Arraez.

Arraez was scratched from Saturday's lineup, though the move was attributed to cramps rather than an impending trade.

The three-time batting champion has once again been one of baseball's toughest outs, slashing .328/.364/.446 with four home runs, 43 RBIs and an .810 OPS. While his bat continues to draw headlines, Arraez has also taken a significant step forward defensively, developing into one of the better defensive second basemen in the league this season.

In addition to Philadelphia, the Rays have also been connected to Arraez as the trade deadline approaches.

Blue Jays Could Take an Unconventional Deadline Approach

Despite sitting four games out of the final American League Wild Card spot and needing to leapfrog five teams, the Blue Jays aren't locked into being traditional sellers.

According to The Athletic, Toronto is exploring both buy and sell scenarios as it looks to retool rather than rebuild.

The club is set to gain significant payroll flexibility this winter, with the contracts of George Springer, Daulton Varsho, Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber all coming off the books. Combined, that group accounts for $72.25 million in salary, giving Toronto ample room to absorb long-term money if the front office identifies the right opportunity.

Boston has been connected to Springer as of this week, but the club is looking at other options besides the veteran outfielder. 

“One destination that interests Springer, according to a source familiar with his thinking, is Boston,” CBS Sports' Julian McWilliams wrote on Friday. “The Red Sox have interest, but only under the right circumstances."

Veteran reliever Jeff Hoffman is another player drawing trade interest, though he's under contract through next season at $11 million. The Phillies are a team that’s been connected to the former Blue Jays closer. 

Cardinals Listening on Veteran Pitchers

The Cardinals are expected to listen on veteran pitchers Dustin May and Ryne Stanek ahead of Monday's trade deadline as they continue accelerating their organizational reset.

Moving both veterans would allow St. Louis to add younger talent while clearing innings for its next wave of pitchers. 

May signed a one-year, $12 million contract with a mutual option for 2027 and has provided the Cardinals with valuable rotation stability. While his 4.38 ERA through 21 starts doesn't jump off the page, he's taken the ball every fifth day and brings postseason experience that could appeal to contenders looking for rotation depth.

The Red Sox know May well. Boston acquired the right-hander from the Dodgers at last year's deadline in exchange for two highly regarded outfield prospects, including James Tibbs III. Though May's tenure in Boston was brief, his ability to provide quality innings could once again make him an attractive trade target.

Stanek also appears available after signing a one-year, $3 million deal that includes a $6 million club option for 2027. The veteran right-hander has pitched to a 4.25 ERA across 42 1/3 innings this season. While the results have been uneven, contenders in need of bullpen depth could view Stanek as a worthwhile buy-low addition with swing-and-miss stuff and late-inning experience.

Giants Could Look to Shed Veteran Contracts

The Giants would undoubtedly like to move some of their expensive veteran contracts, though doing so won't be easy.

Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman, and Willy Adames are collectively owed roughly $481.4 million beyond this season. Devers and Adames will both enter their age-30 seasons in 2027, while Chapman is already in his mid-30s.

Devers, the highest-paid player on San Francisco's roster, is earning $27 million this season and still has $226.5 million remaining on the 10-year contract that runs through 2033. Acquired from the Red Sox on Father's Day last summer, the three-time All-Star has continued to produce at an elite level, batting with a 123 OPS+ while hitting 22 home runs, 27 doubles and driving in 61 runs through 111 games.

According to the New York Post's Jon Heyman, at least one team recently inquired about Devers' availability. While there's no indication a move is imminent, rival clubs are clearly doing their homework on the slugger.

It's easy to envision the Yankees eventually entering that conversation. Few organizations have the financial flexibility to absorb the remainder of Devers' contract, and his left-handed power would be tailor-made for Yankee Stadium's short right-field porch. Pairing Devers with a healthy Aaron Judge would create one of baseball's most formidable middle-of-the-order duos.

One Last Trip Around the Base Paths 

- The Twins and Astros had the framework of a deal in place that would have sent hard-throwing reliever Bryan Abreu to Minnesota in exchange for outfielder Trevor Larnach, according to multiple reports. The trade ultimately fell apart after Astros owner Jim Crane declined to approve the deal, keeping one of Houston's top late-inning relievers in place for the time being.

- The Giants could be facing an unusual contract situation involving outfielder Harrison Bader. According to reports, Bader suffered a season-ending foot injury after crashing his scooter into a fire truck. San Francisco has suspended payment of the approximately $1.45 million remaining on his 2026 salary while it investigates the circumstances surrounding the accident. The incident could also have implications for Bader's $10 million salary in 2027, as the Giants may attempt to void that portion of his contract depending on the findings of their investigation. Bader is expected to file a grievance through the MLB Players Association if the club attempts to withhold future salary.

- Max Clark hit the first home run of his major league career Saturday, launching a two-run shot to right-center field in the sixth inning to help lift the Tigers to an 8-6 win. The 21-year-old's blast extended Detroit's lead to 6-2 and marked another milestone for one of baseball's top young talents.

- Dodgers reliever Will Klein landed on the injured list one day after hitting Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras in the helmet with a 95 mph fastball. Los Angeles listed the 26-year-old with right elbow discomfort. Klein had been struggling before the injury, allowing runs in each of his last five appearances as his ERA climbed from 2.27 on July 9 to 3.67.

- Pirates first baseman Ryan O'Hearn was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left quad strain and is expected to miss six to eight weeks. O'Hearn, 33, has split time between first base, right field and designated hitter this season while batting .270 with 17 home runs and a .788 OPS. Though his production has dipped from last season, he has remained a key middle-of-the-order bat for Pittsburgh.

- The Orioles are reportedly weighing the possibility of trading catcher Adley Rutschman, with the Red Sox, Rays and Yankees all showing varying levels of interest in the division rival.

- The Brewers and Guardians completed a four-player swap Saturday morning. Cleveland acquired outfielder Blake Perkins and right-hander Craig Yoho, while Milwaukee landed catcher Bo Naylor and right-hander Codi Heuer.

- The Tigers will be without one of their most important late-inning relievers for the remainder of the season after Will Vest underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his elbow.

The Astros are moving right-hander Tatsuya Imai to the bullpen beginning this weekend against the Rangers, manager Joe Espada announced. Imai is in the first season of a three-year, $54 million contract signed after coming over from Japan. His deal includes a provision allowing him to refuse any minor league assignment, and Imai said Houston never approached him about pitching at Triple-A before making the decision to shift him to the bullpen.

- The Orioles signed right-hander Yennier Cano to a two-year contract extension covering the 2027 and 2028 seasons with a club option for 2029. Cano will earn $2.75 million in 2027 and $4.75 million in 2028, while Baltimore holds a $10 million club option for 2029. The agreement buys out his remaining arbitration years and gives the Orioles an additional year of club control.