With the Los Angeles Dodgers widely expected to address their starting rotation at the MLB trade deadline, the bulk of speculation thus far has centered around reported interest in Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, and Garrett Crochet of the Chicago White Sox.
The Dodgers reportedly made a trade offer for Crochet last month that the White Sox were said to have quickly rejected. Crochet is one of the top starters considered to be available, but he’s also facing an innings limit that could require being shifted to a bullpen role.
Meanwhile, the likelihood of a Skubal trade is not yet clear. The Tigers are well out of the American League postseason picture but he remains under team control for multiple seasons.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Tigers nevertheless have discussed a Skubal trade with not only the Dodgers but Baltimore Orioles as well:
The Detroit Tigers are engaged in talks with the Baltimore Orioles and Dodgers for Skubal.
The Dodgers have necessary prospects to complete a blockbuster trade, but the Orioles farm system is considered a stronger group. It’s led industry experts to believe they are primed to make a splash at the deadline, and acquiring Skubal would add him to a rotation that’s currently led by Corbin Burnes.
The southpaw had a breakout season in a limited number of appearances during the 2023 season, and has continued to build on that success this year.
Skubal has pitched to a 2.41 ERA and 2.57 FIP in 116 innings so far this season while striking out just shy of 11 batters per nine innings and walking less than two per nine.
Over the past two seasons, Skubal has a 2.57 ERA, 2.33 FIP, 11.09 strikeouts per nine, 1.60 walks per nine and 6.8 WAR.
Potential Dodgers trade for Tarik Skubal
If the Dodgers wanted to complete a Skubal trade, it likely would require parting ways with some combination of Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, Dalton Rushing, Josue De Paula, River Ryan, Emmet Sheehan, Dustin May and others along those lines.
One concern for the Dodgers is it would be tough for them to compete with the Orioles in any trade discussions. But being aggressive for the left-hander would shore up the future as well as Skubal is not eligible to become a free agent until after the 2026 season.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
