Tarik Skubal to the Orioles is tempting and dangerously shortsighted at the same time

With the Detroit Tigers and ace Tarik Skubal currently being far apart on a potential contract for 2026, which figures to be determined in an arbitration hearing, there has been a fresh round of trade speculation about where Skubal could end up if he is dealt.

The Baltimore Orioles are seen as a potential landing spot for Skubal in one trade idea, but it would be an incredibly shortsighted move despite Skubal's dominance.

Orioles should not fall for tempting but short-sighted Skubal trade proposal

Bleacher Report came up with a trade proposal that would send Skubal to the Orioles in exchange for outfielder Dylan Beavers, right-handed pitcher Trey Gipson, and left-handed pitcher Luis De Leon.

It is very questionable whether the Tigers would agree to a trade like this. Skubal is the two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner, so that would be a fairly light return even if the left-handed ace is set to hit free agency following the 2026 season.

But, for the sake or argument, let's say the Tigers were on board with that deal. Is that really the wisest move for Baltimore?

On the one hand, adding Skubal to the rotation would give Baltimore a true ace and would make them genuine contenders to represent the American League in the World Series. An offseason of adding Skubal and Pete Alonso would be pretty impressive and would make them a team no one wants to face in a playoff series.

It would be a similar move to when the Orioles acquired Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers ahead of his contract year in 2024. Burnes delivered a great season for Baltimore and then departed in free agency, which is probably exactly what would happen with Skubal.

Making a trade like that would suggest the Orioles are going all-in on 2026, which is exciting, but what if they come up short? Then they would enter 2027 without three promising young players who could potentially be key contributors at that point.

Beavers has been a bit of an anomaly based on his minor league stats and brief showing in the big leagues last season, but his propensity to reach base at a high clip is a good sign, especially if his power translates to the majors.

Trey Gipson is a promising arm in Triple-A who could develop into a solid starter, and Luis De Leon is a young flamethrower with a lot of upside.

Even if just one of those three develops into a solid big league contributor, the Orioles might regret giving them up for one year of Skubal.

The sugar rush of landing Skubal would be fun, but when reality sets in, and he almost certainly signs with a different team after 2026, then the Orioles would regret parting with promising young talent.