Jeff Passan makes Tarik Skubal Cubs' trade deadline plea that avoids awkward reality

Had ESPN's Jeff Passan rolled out his MLB trade deadline a month ago, there would have been no second-guessing the idea of the Chicago Cubs being a match for the Tarik Skubal. The Cubs had the impression of a World Series' contender, and if the Detroit Tigers were to sell, Skubal is the obvious trade target.

Now, it's a layered conversation. One that even Passan acknowledges is based on how the Cubs perform in the near future; suggesting that the Cubs' objective is to salvage the season and make an aggressive push at the deadline. If that happens, then Passan makes the case that Jed Hoyer and Co. should have their chips pushed to the middle of the table for Skubal (or any other top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher).

With how the Cubs played during the month of May, it's fair to question if the approach to the deadline has changed for the Cubs. While selling can't be considered at this very moment (there's chance that door does eventually open), the objective for the Cubs may no longer be to acquire that final piece that makes them a World Series a favorite in the National League. Instead, the focus may be on patching the pitching staff to the point that the team is healthy enough to make a play for the Wild Card.

In other words, it's entirely possible the moves that Hoyers makes later this summer is closer to the swing he made for Michael Soroka last year, and not the aggressive trade the Cubs made for Aroldis Chapman in 2016. In other words, unless the Cubs dramatically turn their season around between now and the deadline, it's hard to imagine this front office making a compelling offer for Skubal. Quickly, along those lines, Passan does suggest that if the ask of the Tigers includes Matt Shaw or Moises Ballesteros, that's the price of playing poker.

If not Tarik Skubal for the Cubs, then who?

The hope is that the Cubs once again reach a point this season where a trade for Skubal is the logical move. That being said, it's hard to imagine that being the case, considering this team has gone nearly a month without winning a series.

It might be closer to a doomsdays scenario for the front office, but it's fair to wonder if the team rolls back the strategy they had at the 2024 trade deadline. Sell-off some pieces, the Cubs have a number of impending free agents, but add major league talent under control beyond this season.

If that is the approach, Skubal isn't wrapping up the 2026 season at Wrigley Field. Instead, someone like Reid Detmers could be a target for the Cubs. The former Los Angeles Angels first-round pick is under control through the 2029 season, and is striking out over 28% of the hitter he's faced in 68 innings pitched this season. He does have an ERA of 4.63, but his 2.98 FIP speaks to the success he has had in his return to the rotation.

No, walking away from a trade for Skubal in favor of one for Detmers isn't exactly how this season should have gone for the Cubs, but it's awkward reality their play has forced them to confront.

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