Dodgers don’t need to trade for Tarik Skubal, and this is the reason why

Dodgers don’t need to trade for Tarik Skubal, and this is the reason why originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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One interesting talking point that nobody seems to be mentioning right now is that if the Detroit Tigers move on from Tarik Skubal, the Los Angeles Dodgers might not feel the need to get involved.

Skubal, who will most certainly be the most sought-after player on the open market this offseason and, if he’s available, at the trade deadline, is an unbelievable talent. The Dodgers adding him to their roster right now would ensure that they have another chance to go back-to-back-to-back, even though they’re already considered the favorites in all of baseball.

The one thing that nobody seems to be bringing up, however, is that the Dodgers could allow Skubal to be traded to another team and then just go out and sign him in the offseason. One writer recently proposed that idea, and it makes a lot more sense than it might seem to some.

“At the end of the day, however, the Dodgers can just try to sign Skubal as a free agent in a few months. Without trading the prospects,” Cristopher Kline wrote.

“The Dodgers already have six quality starters on the roster, with top prospect River Ryan breezing through Triple-A competition and ready to fill any unexpected gaps. How much does Skubal really move the needle for a team with the needle already cranked to the max?”

While the idea makes sense here, it also isn’t crazy to suggest that the Dodgers would rather bring in Skubal now, show him what Los Angeles has to offer, re-sign him in the offseason, and pretty much be unbeatable in the postseason. 

The Dodgers have dealt with some injuries on the mound as well, so bringing in the best starter in baseball to fix that would be the best outcome for all involved.

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