The Los Angeles Dodgers have shut down trade talks for two key prospects, Josue De Paula and Eduardo Quintero, amid rumors surrounding the potential acquisition of Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal.
The Dodgers' top prospect, De Paula, is ranked No. 4 in baseball, while Quintero is the team's No. 3 prospect and No. 19 in baseball. According to The Athletic, rival clubs will inquire about these two players, but the Dodgers are not interested in parting ways with them this year.
The Dodgers' aggressive front office is expected to make a competitive offer for Skubal, despite not wanting to include De Paula and Quintero in the trade. Skubal is a two-time Cy Young Award winner and will require a significant haul to acquire.
The Dodgers have a strong farm system, but they may be willing to consider other players in negotiations. According to The Athletic, the team is open to moving 21-year-old Zyhir Hope, who is hitting .289 with 21 homers and an .879 OPS in Double A, and 23-year-old Mike Sirota, though less so than Hope.
Hope is the Dodgers' No. 5 prospect and a top 100 prospect. The Tigers are expected to trade Skubal in the coming days, and the Dodgers could be in the mix to land him.
The acquisition of Skubal would be a significant boost to the Dodgers' rotation, but it would come at a cost. The Tigers are likely to demand a strong return for the pitcher, and the Dodgers will have to decide whether to part with other talented players.
The situation is unprecedented, with the Dodgers reportedly not interested in parting ways with De Paula and Quintero. The team's aggressive front office will make a competitive offer for Skubal, but it remains to be seen whether the Tigers will accept it.
The trade talks have reportedly been shut down for the time being, but the situation could change in the coming days. The Dodgers and Tigers are expected to continue negotiating, and a trade could be announced at any time.
Source: Yahoo Sports