MLB trade rumors: New York Yankees hunt for ace as Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta and MacKenzie Gore talks heat up

Tarik Skubal is back in the middle of MLB trade rumors, and this time the New York Yankees are one of the teams being talked about. In early January 2026, reports out of the United States said the Yankees are actively looking for a starting pitcher because Gerrit Cole is not expected to be ready for the start of the season after Tommy John surgery.The Yankees need help fast. Their front office has been speaking with teams across baseball. With Edward Cabrera already traded to the Chicago Cubs on January 7, the Yankees are now being linked to Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta, and MacKenzie Gore as they try to fix their rotation before spring training.Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers’ left-hander and two-time Cy Young Award winner, is entering the final year of his contract. Earlier this week, U.S. media reported that Skubal and the Tigers failed to agree on a new deal and went to arbitration. That move quickly sparked trade talk around the league.MLB insider Jon Heyman said this week that any team wanting Skubal would need to give up “half their team.” That comment made it clear how highly Detroit values its ace. Skubal has been one of baseball’s best pitchers over the past two seasons, and the Tigers are in no rush to move him unless the return is massive.The New York Yankees are watching closely. With Gerrit Cole still rehabbing and not expected back in April, New York is exploring every possible top-level arm. While Skubal fits the need, league insiders believe the price may be too steep, even for a team known for bold moves.With Skubal likely costing a huge package, the Yankees have also shifted strong focus to Freddy Peralta and MacKenzie Gore. Freddy Peralta, the Milwaukee Brewers’ All-Star right-hander, is also in the final year of his deal. He is coming off a big season where he went 17–6 with a career-best 2.70 ERA and led the National League in wins.MacKenzie Gore, the Washington Nationals’ left-hander, is another name in talks. Unlike Peralta and Skubal, Gore has three years left on his contract, which gives Washington leverage but also makes him a long-term option for any team that trades for him.The Yankees were previously linked to Edward Cabrera, but that path closed when Miami traded him to Chicago. Now, New York is weighing whether to pay big in prospects for a star like Skubal or make a cleaner move for Peralta or Gore.If no deal happens soon, the Yankees are expected to open the season with Max Fried, Luis Gil, Will Warren, and Cam Schlittler while waiting for Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt to return from surgery.Also Read: MLB Trade Rumors: Ketel Marte Trade Buzz Grows As New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, And Los Angeles Dodgers Watch Arizona Diamondbacks