3 MLB teams who should try to trade for Tarik Skubal this summer

From the start, I know that people aren’t going to be happy with me. I’m used to it, though, and I’m just going to steer right into the curve. If Tarik Skubal is traded in the next few months, there are only a few MLB teams that will likely be in the conversation to trade for the ace. And let’s be honest, the Los Angeles Dodgers are going to be at the top of the list.

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Now that I’ve got your attention, let’s take a step back and dig into this. Skubal is a free agent at the end of the season, and we know there’s a clear divide between his asking price and what the Detroit Tigers are willing to pay. There’s also a fragile nature to pitchers, and the Tigers don’t appear to have the budget to make such a sizable investment.

Skubal To Injured List

Seeing Skubal hit the Injured List and head in for elbow surgery was less than ideal. The good news now, is that the damage (and the surgery) didn’t appear to be as serious as first expected. That means Skubal should be back anywhere between one and two months. To be clear, though, that’s the best-case scenario.

Despite being 18-20, the Tigers are just 1.5 games out of first place. Their rotation isn’t in the best of health with Casey Mize sidelined and Reese Olson out for the year, but they benefit from playing in the AL Central. There’s also no guarantee on Skubal’s return time frame and his success when he does come back. They are lucky that the injury wasn’t worse, so why not take this last chance to capitalize on his value?

From the perspective of the acquiring team, you get the benefit of Skubal down the stretch, and you can manage his rehab. Additionally, it could give you a little edge in trying to retain Skubal long-term.

Which teams should be looking at acquiring Skubal?

Los Angeles Dodgers

Yes, I know. This goes against everything baseball should stand for. But we know that the Dodgers are going to be one of the high, if not the highest, bidders this winter for Skubal. They certainly have the prospect capital. And they can also keep Skubal in bubble wrap until September. Instead of a postseason rotation, the Dodgers would have an All-Star team.

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles need pitching. They have plenty of offensive depth, with the exception of a surging Pete Alonso, who has youth on their side. What about an injured Jordan Westburg in a package for Skubal? Or give Coby Mayo a fresh start in Detroit? At some point, Baltimore needs to do something about their rotation.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are in the midst of one of the best stretches in history at home. It has come despite their plethora of pitching injuries. Having Skubal in reserve, and knowing they need to strengthen the rotation going forward, gives them a nice push in a tight NL Central.

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