One of the biggest storylines in MLB this season will be what the Detroit Tigers will do with two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. Will they trade him before his highly anticipated free agency, and what teams across MLB can even offer Skubal a strong enough package to get a deal done? Well, the Los Angeles Dodgers are always rumored to be in play on the biggest stars, so they are the early favorites to land Skubal, and Los Angeles is also one of the few teams across the league that would sell a healthy chunk of its farm system for a rental addition.
So, what trade package was recently proposed that could land Skubal in Los Angeles?
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Tarik Skubal’s WBC Start Only Adds Fuel to the Skubal-Dodgers Rumors
GettyLos Angeles Dodgers potential trade target Tarik Skubal
Tarik Skubal, despite giving up a leadoff home run to Nate Eaton, had a very solid outing. He pitched three innings and struck out five, but even more interesting is the fact that Dodgers’ All-Star catcher Will Smith orchestrated the outing, and it’s been a semi-storyline that Will Smith and Skubal’s close relationship could lead to one of the biggest trades in MLB history.
The Tigers are also in a good spot here. Although they likely don’t want to move on from Skubal, they have the crown jewel of starters in their back pocket.
According to FanSided’s Mark Powell, the Dodgers could land Tarik Skubal if they offer a three-player package that includes prospects River Ryan, Zyhir Hope, and Chase Harland. Adding this trio of players would give the Tigers such a wealth of farm system talent.
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What Will the Tigers Do with Skubal?
As of now, the Tigers have made it clear they do not want to move Tarik Skubal, but that’s certainly subject to change as the season progresses. It’s also important to note that Detroit signed Framber Valdez to a three-year extension this offseason, which could signal that they don’t anticipate being able to retain Skubal.
If they don’t anticipate retaining Skubal, why not trade him and maximize his value? The reports surrounding Skubal’s trade status throughout the season are going to be massive for a team like the Dodgers, who can actually land Skubal.
With Will Smith doing a little bit of lobbying, the Dodgers having a loaded farm system, and Tarik Skubal being the best pitcher in MLB, all the chips could align for him to be in a Dodgers uniform soon.
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Dodgers-Tigers Trade Pitch for Tarik Skubal Makes Perfect Sense After WBC Start