flag
back Retour
Former Blue Jay Weighs In on Tarik Skubal-to-Toronto Rumors

With free agency looming, former Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar has his take on Tarik Skubal potentially joining the franchise in 2027.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) looks on. Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Toronto Blue Jays have become a very active team in free agency in the past few seasons, and with starting pitching as a need this offseason, the front office might have its sights set on the best man available: two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal.

Skubal was traded from the Detroit Tigers to the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline and would help the then-defending champions return to the playoffs. However, Skubal and LA couldn't knock out the Milwaukee Brewers, who swept them in four games of the NLCS.

Despite not winning a ring with the Dodgers, Skubal is still a high-leverage pitcher who is expected to get a massive contract. Given Toronto has spent a great deal of money since 2024, they could easily be in the mix for the superstar lefty. The question is, should they be?

Kevin Pillar's Thoughts on Skubal to Toronto

Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Kevin Pillar (11) poses for a photo. Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

Former Blue Jays fan favorite Kevin Pillar has kept up with the franchise since retiring, and if there's anyone whose opinion on the franchise matters, it's the former Gold Glove-caliber center fielder.

Hosting Blue Bird Territory, Pillar was asked by The Athletic's Mitch Bannon whether Skubal should be the player they put all their eggs in one basket for this offseason.

"I don't," Pillar said. "They got their ace, they got Dylan Cease and as much as you want to build your team around having this elite starting pitching, I think the Blue Jays have good starting pitching. You can never have enough starting pitching."

"I think the Blue Jays learned this year that they need to distribute that money over position groups as opposed to going out to sign Skubal."

Pillar doubts the front office would commit to two elite starting pitchers on an eight-year-plus contract. Cease is already a legitimate ace who was in the AL Cy Young Award conversation earlier this summer and someone that Ross Atkins and company should build around.

More than Skubal, perhaps resigning Shane Bieber would be the more responsible move. Bieber costs less and is a former Cy Young Award winner himself. Unlike Skubal, Bieber is a risky player to take another chance on, given his recent injuries that have impacted the last two seasons of his career.

Skubal should be a player the Blue Jays check in on, but ultimately, he shouldn't be the one they sign. Toronto is likely to add a starting pitcher this offseason, just not at the price that Skubal and agent Scott Boras will command.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

You may like

How Wayne Gretzky Nearly Became a Detroit Red Wing in 1988

si.com il y a 1 heure

Every Astros Player Set to Become a Free Agent This Offseason

si.com il y a 1 heure

MLB Insider Names Outfield Slugger Best Fit for Cincinnati Reds in Free Agency

si.com il y a 43 minutes

The One Free Agent Who Makes Too Much Sense for the Marlins

si.com il y a 2 heures

Reds Outfielder Dane Myers Offers Surprising Self-Assessment After Strong Season

si.com il y a 1 heure

Tigers Could Take a Smart Gamble on Left-Handed Rotation Help

si.com il y a 1 heure

3 Most Critical Padres Players Likely to Leave This Offseason

si.com il y a 1 heure

Multiple former FSU stars to attend Garnet & Gold All-Star Game

aol.com il y a 3 heures

The Best of the Rest Bullpen Options in Free Agency the Royals Should Keep an Eye on

si.com il y a 3 heures