MLB Trade Rumor: Tigers open to offers for Tarik Skubal, Mets-Blue Jays in race for Edwin Diaz

A lot of deals are expected to go down in the upcoming MLB Winter Meetings, with some big-market clubs linked to major names in free agency and trade.

The Detroit Tigers are dealing with a big dilemma of whether to keep two-time American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. With the starter heading into free agency after the 2026 season and eyeing a contract of around $400 million, the Tigers are in a tricky spot.

The team could trade him either this winter or during his contract year, before the July deadline. MLB insider Jon Heyman on Wednesday said the Tigers are likely to accept offers for Skubal.

"What I'm getting, or at least from other teams, is they think that the Tigers would listen to offers," Heyman said on a Bleacher Report live stream. "They're not going to make offers themselves. If other teams want to make an overwhelming offer, maybe they could get Skubal. The price would be enormous, even for a one-year player."

Heyman cited the Boston Red Sox's trade of Mookie Betts ahead of his contract year. He said the Tigers might be unwilling to deal their player, given that the Red Sox never received a good deal in the trade and might end up stalling.

"You get a superstar, even for one year, and he's not going to be paid the going rate, which at this point is 40 million plus, maybe even 50 million. He's going to get whatever he gets in arbitration. He's a 20-something. Two-time Cy Young. I think they'll accept offers in terms of listening to them, at least, not accept, but take them in. I still think it's a long shot."

Edwin Diaz reportedly being pursued by two East Coast contenders

Also on the show, Heyman said there could be a two-way bidding war between the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays for reliever Edwin Diaz. The three-time All-Star opted out of his contract this year with the Mets, who have already signed Devin Williams to a three-year $51 million contract as backup.

"The Blue Jays are looking for a closer as well," Heyman said on Wednesday. [31:00] "So, Robert Suarez, Edwin Díaz, those seem to be the best fits for the Jays, a team that can spend. So, it could be a battle between the Jays and the Mets for Díaz."

Heyman also suggested that other pitching arms, such as Josh Hader, Kyle Finnegan, Pete Fairbanks, and Kenley Jansen, are available to sign for the Blue Jays, but Toronto is looking to make a big splash after signing starter Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million deal.

"Blue Jays are continuing their spending spree," Heyman added. "I'm going to put it that way because they have started off big, and I think they will continue."

The Blue Jays are looking to make back-to-back World Series appearances and this time go a step further and win their first championship since 1993.