A new trade proposal imagines Toronto calling Detroit with a bold ask, Skubal for a package headlined by Berrios plus top young pieces, including Addison Barger, Joey Loperfido, Ricky Tiedemann and $5 million in cash.
The important part is what this actually is, a trade pitch, not a reported negotiation.
It is still useful because it shows the shape of the price, and why the conversation keeps resurfacing.
MLB.com’s latest read on Skubal’s market suggests the arbitration drama does not automatically push Detroit into a deal.
One AL executive even called the uncertainty a reason a trade feels less likely right now.
Tarik Skubal idea tests Toronto Blue Jays
There’s a timing trap here that fans skip past. Skubal filed for $32 million in arbitration while the Tigers countered at $19 million, and MLB.com notes teams may want that number set before trading for him.
That brings Berrios into the picture, because his contract is the kind of real-world ballast these deals need.
Spotrac lists his deal at seven years and $131 million, with a $19 million total salary in 2026, and there’s also an opt-out after 2026.
Toronto’s side of the argument is simple, they just watched the Dodgers win the 2025 World Series, and there’s no shame in wanting a weapon that can shorten playoff series.
Detroit’s side is even simpler, Skubal is the franchise’s best chip.
My take is I would not touch this unless Toronto believes it can actually keep Skubal past one season.
If it’s a one-year swing that costs Berrios plus real talent like Ricky Tiedemann and Addison Barger, the risk gets massive fast.
The best case for the Jays is a cleaner rotation story and a louder postseason ceiling.
The worst case is losing depth and stability, then watching Skubal walk next winter while you’re still paying for the holes you created.