The Kansas City Royals sit at the bottom of the American League and have every reason to consider trading away veteran pieces. It's unfortunately a failed season where the most memorable outcome is another superstar campaign from Bobby Witt Jr., despite very little help around him. This should lead the Royals to consider making a future investment alongside opting to trade away pieces that no longer fit their timeline of contention. With this in mind, Kansas City and J.J. Picollo should check in on division rival Tarik Skubal, seeing if the Detroit Tigers would deal within the division.
The franchise is looking for pieces to cement themselves as future contenders and quiet any concerns that Witt could demand his way out. Adding Skubal is unquestionably a step in this direction and solidifies a position of concern atop Kansas City's rotation. The only way Skubal can possibly be considered is if the Royals had an extension in place, as the pitcher's camp is hinting at a massive number for the 29-year-old.
Cole Ragans is sidelined with a UCL repair that erased his 2026 and start of 2027 season, leaving a clear hole atop the rotation. It would be fitting for the team to bring in Skubal and extend the southpaw, understanding the clear path to meaningful contention that it opens in the 2027 season. Having a rotation with Skubal and Ragans setting the tone, along with perhaps a final strong season from Michael Wacha and growth from youngster Noah Cameron, promises that four out of every five days, the bar is incredibly low for the Royals' offense to find a way to win.
Royals should make an aggressive push for Tarik Skubal before it's too late
Landing Skubal is going to be difficult with no shortage of teams looking to add the left-handed starter. However, the Royals do have the advantage of offering the Tigers a chance to send the pitcher to a team that fans aren't going to have to watch in the postseason. This is a bit offset by the fact that they would have to face the pitcher in the years to come within the division.
Still, it is a move that must be explored, with Kansas City badly needing a win in the middle of a lost season. Opting to bring in a pitcher in the discussion as the league's best would unquestionably qualify and hand the team at least one less offseason move to make.
With this in mind, the Royals should at least check in on Skubal and see whether trading the pitcher within the AL Central is a possibility. One that would give Kansas City a bright future and offer the franchise an elite one-two-punch at the top of the rotation.
Add us as a preferred source on Google