Rays need to go all in at MLB trade deadline, with one move being the X-factor

The Tampa Bay Rays have spent years proving they can win more games with less money. Manager Kevin Cash continues to get the most out of his players, and it is showing up once again. This is the MLB trade deadline when they need to prove they can finish the job, though. The American League is very winnable this season, and Tampa Bay enters deadline week with the best record in the American League. MORE: One player every MLB team will trade at the 2026 trade deadline

The pitching staff owns a 3.53 ERA, and Nick Martinez has gone 10-2 with a 2.45 ERA. This is not a desperate team trying to patch a broken rotation. And that’s exactly why Tarik Skubal should be the target. Skubal is 7-5 with a 2.70 ERA, 110 strikeouts and a 0.92 WHIP in 90 innings. His fastball still averages 96.7 mph, while opponents have produced only a .267 wOBA against him.

Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal celebrates striking out Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh I the sixth inning of ALDS Game 5 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Rays do not need him to get to October. They need him to change what October looks like. A strong rotation can win a division. An ace changes a five-game series. He lets a manager stop using the bullpen to cover 14 outs. He gives the clubhouse a night when everyone believes they can win.

Yes, the price would hurt. Detroit has every reason to demand premium talent, and Tampa Bay’s system includes Top 100-caliber prospects such as Theo Gillen and Brody Hopkins.

The Rays have trained everyone to admire their restraint. Trading elite prospects for a two-month rental would feel irresponsible by their standards.  But ships are not won, nor do flags hang, on the merit of organizational efficiency. It’s time to act like a big market club, without having to spend like one.

Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; American League pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the first inning during the 2025 MLB All Star Game at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Skubal would sit atop a postseason group that already includes Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen and Martinez. Suddenly, Tampa Bay would not just be the clever team nobody wants to face. It would be the team with the American League’s best record and perhaps its most intimidating October starter.

The Rays can chase cheaper alternatives such as Freddy Peralta. That would be sensible.  Skubal would be transformative. For once, Tampa Bay should stop trying to win the transaction and make the move that could win the World Series.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead  —

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →