The Los Angeles Dodgers had a clear desire to address their starting rotation by acquiring a frontline pitcher, with Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal and Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox widely believed to be the top targets.
However, there was doubt as to whether or not either left-hander was truly available at this year’s trade deadline. General consensus held that the White Sox were willing to trade Crochet, but that possibility became complicated amid his demands to remain a starter despite already being well past a career high in innings, and to receive a contract extension before potentially pitching in the postseason.
All the while the Tigers continued to field interest in Skubal from not only the Dodgers but Baltimore Orioles and others as well.
Despite that, the Tigers refused to include Skubal in any trade scenarios discussed with the Dodgers, according to Dylan Hernández of the L.A. Times:
The one player who could have transformed the team’s outlook on his own was Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal, who wasn’t available “in any scenario,” according to a person familiar with the Dodgers’ trade deadline discussions. The Tigers “wouldn’t talk about Skubal at all,” the person said.
Detroit’s insistence on keeping the 2024 American League Cy Young Award favorite largely stems from Skubal being under team control through the 2026 season. Prior to a current three-game losing streak, the Tigers had also climbed back into the Wild Card picture.
Given that Skubal is not due to become a free agent for multiple years, it’s plausible the Tigers will later entertain a Skubal trade if a deadline comes and they remain out of postseason contention.
Did Dodgers need Tarik Skubal?
While matters were largely out of their hands, the Dodgers certainly had plenty to gain with a Skubal trade for not only this season but future years as well. The 27-year-old is in the midst of his prime and is building on what was an encouraging 2023 campaign.
In his place, the Dodgers still traded with the Tigers to acquire Jack Flaherty. The Burbank, Calif., native is excited for the homecoming and eager to help provide a boost for the rotation.
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