What happened: Deesha Thosar projects the Rays as the landing spot for Tarik Skubal before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Her forecast also sends Luis Arraez to the Yankees and Kevin Gausman to the Braves.
Why it matters: Detroit's fringe wild-card position complicates any decision to trade its ace, while an acquiring club would get a short-term rental ahead of his free agency. Tampa Bay's deep farm system could support the prospect cost without ending its postseason push.
By the numbers: Skubal owns a 2.70 ERA after striking out 12 innings in his latest start. Tampa Bay leads the AL at 62-43, while Detroit sits four games behind the final AL wild-card berth with five teams ahead.
What to watch: Competing interest from Los Angeles, Milwaukee and other contenders will test Tampa Bay's willingness to meet Detroit's price.