The Los Angeles Dodgers are back-to-back World Series champions, and the team is still looking to make additions.
Los Angeles has been linked as a potential trade destination for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who’s arguably the best pitcher in baseball. Although the Dodgers have been heavily linked to Skubal, MLB insider David Singh of Sportsnet predicts the Atlanta Braves will acquire the left-hander.
“Skubal is traded to … The Atlanta Braves,” Singh wrote. “Forget last year’s ugly 76-86 finish. The Braves have made a bunch of shrewd moves this winter and will see a return to health from several key players. By mid-season, the club will own the best record in the National League, ahead of the Dodgers and Phillies. That will prompt general manager Alex Anthopoulos to go full 2015 trade deadline mode and shock the baseball world by acquiring Skubal in July.
“Skubal, a pending free agent, is a Scott Boras client and the left-hander is in line to receive the largest contract ever for a pitcher. The Tigers will be priced out. That means a trade is imminent because even if the club is contending by July, it simply can’t afford to lose Skubal for nothing when he walks in free agency.”
Skubal is the back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner and would bolster the Braves’ rotation. If Atlanta trades for Skubal, it would give the Dodgers a legit threat in the NL. Los Angeles, meanwhile, would have to look elsewhere to address the rotation.
Dodgers Interested in Skubal
Los Angeles has shown interest in trading for Skubal, who would only make the Dodgers that much better.
Dodgers insider David Vassegh reported during the Winter Meetings that Los Angeles has the assets to acquire Skubal.
“Talking to people in Orlando that were there (for the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings) and are very familiar with what the Tigers are asking for Tarik Skubal, they are asking, for a one-year rental of Tarik Skubal, a package that would rival what the (San Diego) Padres sent to the (Washington) Nationals for Juan Soto,” David Vassegh said during an episode of “Dodger Talk.” “And the Dodgers have those types of players to send to Detroit.”
Meanwhile, another Dodgers insider and KTLA sports anchor, David Pingalore, said the team has discussed a trade for Skubal.
“Right now, (Dodgers executive Andrew) Friedman is trying to work a deal and a major trade for Tarik Skubal,” Pingalore said.
Skubal would be the Dodgers’ ace and would make Los Angeles even more of a World Series contender. But, it appears other teams could look to acquire Skubal and not let the lefty get dealt to Los Angeles.
Tigers GM Won’t Comment on Skubal Trade
Skubal is the Tigers’ best pitcher, but he’s in the final year of his deal.
Although Skubal’s name has come up in trade rumors, the Tigers front office won’t comment on any potential move.
“Tarik is a Detroit Tiger,” general manager Jeff Greenberg said. “We know how good he is. We know what he has meant to this organization, especially the last couple of years. We’re not going to talk about our players in the context of trade or extension.”
Skubal went 13-6 with a 2.21 ERA in 31 starts last season.
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