Dodgers Eyeing Key Pitcher Ahead of Trade Deadline
The Los Angeles Dodgers are entering the All-Star break with a staggering 11.5-game lead in the National League West, boasting an impressive record that, in fact, marks one of the best in baseball history. They’re in a solid position, eyeing a potential third consecutive World Series title.
It’s no surprise that the Dodgers, with their well-established reputation, are connected to top pitchers as the trade deadline approaches.
ESPN’s MLB insider Jeff Passan recently stated that the Dodgers might be the most likely candidates to acquire Detroit Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal.
“If there’s any team that’s going to acquire Tarik Skubal and has both the motivation and the ability to do so, it’s the Los Angeles Dodgers,” Passan remarked. “I know people don’t like hearing that.”
But, perhaps, that doesn’t really sit well with everyone.
Adding a two-time Cy Young Award winner to the lineup is definitely the kind of move that would make other teams cringe, probably calling for stricter salary caps.
Yet, the Dodgers still face some uncertainties. Starting pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are on their way back from lengthy stays on the disabled list. The rotation already includes Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Justin Robleski, but the push for an October run often turns depth into a pressing concern.
This context makes the idea of adding Skubal all the more appealing.
Despite a few missed starts owing to elbow surgery in early May, Skubal has had a strong season, currently holding a 3.09 ERA and 0.952 WHIP, along with impressive strikeout and walk numbers in just over 75 innings. For any pitcher, that’s solid, but for Skubal, it’s viewed as a minor decline due to the high expectations he has set for himself.
Interestingly, Skubal seems to have little interest in the trade rumors swirling around him.
As reported by USA Today, Skubal has expressed to friends that he “really wants to stay in Detroit” for the remainder of the season, citing his belief that the Tigers can reach the World Series.
However, without a no-trade clause, his feelings are only significant if the Tigers share that same belief.
This leaves the Tigers with some tough decisions. Do they believe in their somewhat flawed but potentially competitive team in the middling AL Central, or do they view Skubal—a valuable, expiring contract option—as a prime candidate for a franchise-altering trade?
If the Tigers opt to trade Skubal, the Dodgers will certainly be in the mix.
Reports suggest that while the Dodgers aren’t desperate for Snell and Glasnow’s immediate return, rival executives think they might be underestimating their potential interest.
That could very well be the case. The Dodgers may not need Skubal as much as others do.
But therein lies the discomfort for other teams.
Los Angeles could take a more measured approach this trade deadline, opting not to cause any major upheaval, similar to last year. Or, they might leverage their resources, depth in prospects, and determination to capture another title to ramp up their chances at a rare three-peat.
Skubal may wish to remain with the Tigers, and the rest of baseball might prefer the Dodgers to steer clear. Yet, should the Tigers decide to sell, neither side is likely to get what they’re hoping for.
