The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly considering a significant trade package to acquire Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal ahead of the MLB trade deadline. The Dodgers possess the necessary assets to pursue a blockbuster deal for the left-handed pitcher, though securing him is not a certainty due to interest from multiple other clubs.
The Tigers are expected to demand young, MLB-ready pitching in any Skubal trade. For the Dodgers, key candidates at the major league level include Justin Wrobleski and Emmet Sheehan. Wrobleski has emerged as an All-Star this season and is under team control for two years longer than Sheehan, making him a potentially more difficult ask. Sheehan, despite a regression this year and his ongoing recovery from Tommy John surgery, still possesses highly-rated raw talent.
Other pitching prospects in the Dodgers' system, such as River Ryan and Gavin Stone, have faced injury setbacks. Christian Zazueta, the club's top pitching prospect, is still only 21 and recently reached Double-A. A package without Wrobleski or Sheehan would be surprising.
Beyond pitching, the Dodgers' deep pool of outfield prospects could be utilized. Highly regarded Double-A sluggers Josue De Paula and Mike Sirota are among the options. Other enticing outfielders include Zyhir Hope and Eduardo Quintero. Given the depth in their outfield, the Dodgers may be willing to trade from this group.
If the Dodgers were to acquire Skubal, who will be a free agent after the season, the trade could resemble the 2021 deal that sent Max Scherzer to Los Angeles. That trade involved a young MLB-ready pitcher, a top prospect, and other minor leaguers, in addition to acquiring Trea Turner.
There is also a possibility of the Dodgers pursuing Skubal in the offseason through free agency, where he could command a record-setting contract. This potential future interest might influence their willingness to be aggressive in acquiring him before the trade deadline.
In other team news, Freddie Freeman has been on a hot streak, batting .371 over his last 30 games. Pitcher Roki Sasaki expressed a desire to remain in the rotation for the remainder of the regular season and indicated he would consider his playoff role after the season concludes. Prospect Zach Root has earned a promotion to Double-A Tulsa after a strong performance in High-A, striking out 79 batters in 60 innings with a 2.40 ERA.