The Los Angeles Dodgers may need to acquire Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal before the upcoming trade deadline due to concerns about Shohei Ohtani's health. Ohtani displayed signs of discomfort during a recent game, raising questions about his ability to pitch in October.
Ohtani's uncertain status, coupled with the ongoing recovery of pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow from injuries, has created a need for starting pitching depth. While the Dodgers have expressed optimism about Snell and Glasnow's returns, Ohtani's pitching availability remains a significant question mark for the team as they aim for a third consecutive World Series title.
Starting pitching was instrumental in the Dodgers' championship runs in the past two seasons. However, the team now faces multiple question marks in its rotation. The bullpen has also shown signs of unraveling, which could impact the team's flexibility in utilizing pitchers like Justin Wrobleski and Roki Sasaki in the postseason rotation rather than as relievers.
The potential acquisition of Skubal could address these concerns, but the Dodgers' willingness to meet the Tigers' price remains to be seen. Historically, the Dodgers have been disciplined under President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman, avoiding overpayment at trade deadlines. This approach has sometimes led them to refrain from making deals if terms are not favorable, as seen in their 2023 postseason rotation which included an injured Clayton Kershaw and an unproven Bobby Miller.
Previous trades for starting pitchers have varied in cost. In 2024, the Dodgers acquired Jack Flaherty for mid-level prospects. Three years prior, they traded for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner, who were under club control for another season, giving up a package of four prospects. In 2018, they traded five mid- to low-level prospects for Manny Machado, and in 2017, they sent three prospects, including Willie Calhoun, to the Texas Rangers for Yu Darvish.
If Skubal could be acquired for prospects like Emmet Sheehan and other less prominent players, it would likely be a straightforward decision for the Dodgers. However, if a deal required trading a player like the All-Star Justin Wrobleski, who has five years of club control remaining, the Dodgers would face a more significant decision. Despite their historical tendencies, the article suggests they should make such a trade given the stakes involved.
The Dodgers might view this season as a unique opportunity to win a third consecutive World Series, especially with potential future financial restrictions on the team. The acquisition of Skubal could be seen as a crucial move to capitalize on this window.