The Detroit Tigers are reportedly at a major crossroads with their ace left-hander Tarik Skubal — and it’s one that could have ripple effects all the way to Queens. According to SNY’s latest report, the Tigers and Skubal are miles apart in contract extension talks, with the gap rumored to be as wide as $250 million.

That kind of standoff has a familiar ring to it for longtime Mets fans. It’s the same kind of tension that once opened the door for the Amazins’ to land pitchers like Johan Santana and Mike Hampton — moves that helped shape franchise-defining eras. And with the Mets’ front office hungry for a true ace to anchor their rotation, this might be the perfect storm to make history repeat itself.

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A Widening Gap in Detroit

Skubal, represented by super-agent Scott Boras, is entering the final years of club control, and the two sides reportedly couldn’t be further apart on long-term numbers. Detroit’s offer appears to fall far short of Skubal’s camp’s expectations — likely somewhere below the $300 million threshold.

For a small- to mid-market team like the Tigers, committing that kind of money to a single pitcher is a tough sell. But if Detroit won’t pay him, someone will — and the Mets, backed by Steve Cohen’s deep pockets and win-now ambition, make all the sense in the world.

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Why the Mets Make Perfect Sense

The Mets’ current rotation features names like Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea, but it lacks that true No. 1, set-it-and-forget-it ace who can take the ball every fifth day and dominate. That’s exactly the role Skubal could fill.

The left-hander has been one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers over the last two seasons — posting ace-level numbers and leading Detroit’s resurgence. His mix of mid-90s heat, swing-and-miss stuff, and poise on the mound make him an ideal fit for a Mets team looking to contend deep into October.

With David Stearns running baseball operations and Cohen showing no hesitation to spend big, a blockbuster trade and extension aren’t out of the question.

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Déjà Vu: Remember Santana and Hampton?

This situation mirrors two of the biggest pitching moves in Mets history:

Johan Santana (2008): Acquired from Minnesota in a blockbuster trade, then signed to a six-year, $137.5 million deal. Santana instantly became the Mets’ ace, delivering a 2.53 ERA in his first year and one of the most memorable pitching performances in franchise history.

Mike Hampton (2000): The Mets brought in Hampton in a trade with Houston to lead a playoff push, and he delivered — winning the 2000 NLCS MVP and helping send the Mets to the World Series.

Like those acquisitions, a Skubal trade would carry both risk and reward — but also the potential to anchor the rotation for years and elevate the team into a new competitive window.

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The Obstacles: Cost, Risk, and Competition

Of course, a deal like this doesn’t happen without hurdles.

The price tag: Any trade for Skubal would require a haul — likely multiple top prospects or MLB-ready young talent.

Extension demands: Skubal and Boras will likely seek a contract in the $300–400 million range, putting him among the top-paid pitchers in baseball history.

Injury risk: Skubal has had previous injury concerns, which always makes long-term deals for pitchers a gamble.

Rival interest: Other big-market teams like the Dodgers, Yankees, and Phillies could easily jump into the bidding war.

Still, for the Mets — who’ve been seeking a reliable ace since the days of Jacob deGrom — the reward may outweigh the risk.

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Why This Move Makes Sense Right Now

The Mets are built for bold moves. They have the farm system flexibility to build a strong trade package and the ownership resources to handle the financial side.

Plus, the timing is perfect: Detroit’s front office can’t risk losing Skubal for nothing, and the Mets need a spark to reestablish themselves as contenders in the NL East.

A Skubal acquisition — and subsequent long-term extension — would instantly signal that the Mets are done rebuilding and are ready to compete with the Braves, Phillies, and Dodgers at the top of the National League.

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The Bottom Line

If Detroit and Skubal can’t close that massive contract gap, the trade rumors will only intensify — and you can bet the Mets will be among the first teams to call.

Just like they did with Santana and Hampton before him, the Mets could once again use a contract standoff to their advantage. And if history is any guide, landing a lefty ace in his prime might be exactly what the Mets need to turn the page into another era of dominance.