The Los Angeles (LA) Dodgers, a powerhouse in Major League Baseball (MLB), are eyeing one of the league’s top pitchers, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers. The possibility of acquiring Skubal seems to be gaining traction, especially as it coincides with the uncertainty surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound.
ESPN reported on Friday that Skubal’s trade prospects are increasing as time passes. The network suggested that the Dodgers’ interest in Skubal has intensified due to the uncertainty surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s pitching status.
Shohei Ohtani, known for his two-way prowess, is currently limited to designated hitter duties due to left knee discomfort. Despite ongoing treatment and bullpen sessions, local experts believe it may take considerable time for him to regain peak pitching form.
The Dodgers organization remains optimistic about Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching this season. Dodgers President Andrew Friedman even stated that it doesn’t feel it’s in dire need of starting pitching reinforcements at this point.
However, the Dodgers have a history of making big moves, investing astronomical sums to attract superstars in pursuit of championships. Their interest in Skubal aligns with this aggressive strategy.
This season, Skubal has impressed over 16 starts, pitching 96⅔ innings with a 7-5 record and a stellar 2.79 earned run average (ERA). Despite battling injuries, he’s showcased ace-caliber performances since his return.
In his July 30 start against the Baltimore Orioles, Skubal allowed 3 runs over 6⅔ innings. Post-game, he fueled trade speculation by sharing an embrace with Tigers manager A.J. Hinch in the dugout.
Friedman noted that there aren’t many star-caliber players in this league, adding that it’s always ready to negotiate when the possibility of acquiring such players arises. It has been very aggressive in the past. Friedman has previously orchestrated trades for Yu Darvish (2017), Manny Machado (2018), and the duo of Max Scherzer and Trea Turner (2021).
While Skubal is drawing interest from several contenders, including the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, and Philadelphia Phillies, making it difficult to predict his destination, the Dodgers remain an attractive option given their high championship potential.
As the August 4, 7:00 a.m. trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on whether Skubal will don Dodger blue.