The possibility of a Tarik Skubal trade could be reminiscent of a game of Boardwalk at this trade deadline.
Skubal is being put on the market for the best offer, and any team that lands him may find significant success, so there’s a call to “step up and take the plunge.”
ESPN’s Jeff Passan mentioned, “Tarik Skubal will be traded,” on Wednesday night.
It seems almost guaranteed that Skubal will be on the move soon.
“People are talking about the Brewers, Rays, and Atlanta Braves being contenders, but honestly, I’ve kind of lost hope that the Los Angeles Dodgers will make a play for Skubal,” one analyst commented.
Several teams are expressing interest in Skubal, but with the opportunities this trade deadline presents, it’s hard to see the Dodgers missing out.
Los Angeles is aiming for a third consecutive championship and has the financial means and assets necessary to pull this off, especially after winning back-to-back AL Cy Young Awards.
The Dodgers boast seven prospects in the MLB Pipeline’s top 100, and although acquiring Skubal might be costly, their depth in resources could allow them to manage Skubal’s eventual free agency.
Josue de Paula, ranked as the fourth-best prospect in the league, is performing well at a Double-A affiliate, showcasing impressive skills with a .309 batting average, 15 home runs, and 27 steals.
However, the Dodgers face a bit of a logjam in the outfield, as Kyle Tucker, Andy Pages, and Teoscar Hernandez have already claimed three positions.
Skubal will be a free agent at the end of this season.
It seems unlikely that the Brewers or Rays can compete with the strong prospects the Dodgers have in their well-regarded farm system.
While the Dodgers’ outfield spots appear secure, there is some uncertainty regarding their pitching rotation.
Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are currently on the injured list, and the two-way star Shohei Ohtani is sidelined from pitching because of a knee issue.
