In fairness, Skubal trade talk began immediately upon his making some noncommittal remarks in the end-of-season press conference, long before the Heyman report. Also, one has to wonder how exactly they could be $250M apart. That just stretches all credulity. Cole got $324M/9 years. Yamamoto got $325/12. Skubal couldn’t possibly think $500M is on the table, and even the Tigers couldn’t possibly be seriously offering something as low as, say…$100M over 3 years. I see no real way they could be “$250M apart.” Now, as far as the Mets are concerned, Skubal is exactly what the Mets need, moreso than any other possible addition (unless the Pirates are trading Skenes). For one year, I certainly am trading Tong plus a hitter not named Benge or Williams. But if the trade is conditioned on negotiating an extension with Skubal? Then sure, we can talk about a package of Sproat, Benge or Williams, Mauricio/Baty, and one more not named McLean.