The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers in a blockbuster trade, bolstering their chances of becoming the first team to win three consecutive World Series titles since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees.
The trade, which took place late Saturday night, sees Skubal, the reigning two-time Cy Young winner, join a Dodgers team that already boasts the best record in baseball. In return, the Tigers have received three prospects: outfielder Javi Hope, pitcher Ryan, and pitching prospect Smith. The trade package is considered minimal pain for the Dodgers, who have a comfortable 10-game lead in the NL West.
The Dodgers are now looking to add Skubal to a rotation that includes Shohei Ohtani, Kenta Yamamoto, and the overqualified candidates Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell. With Skubal expected to make five to seven starts in the postseason, the master plan likely has him, Yamamoto, and Ohtani as the top three starters.
The trade package for Skubal is similar to others made in the past 20 years, with the Tigers receiving a top 25 prospect, a strong second piece, and a lottery ticket. However, the return is considered fine, given the circumstances.
The prospects the Tigers received are considered strong. Javi Hope, 21, is tearing the cover off the ball in Double-A, slashing .293/.369/.530 with 23 home runs and 18 stolen bases. Ryan, 28, returned from Tommy John surgery earlier this year and is currently on the Triple-A injured list with a hamstring injury. Smith, 22, has a 4.36 ERA in 74 ⅓ innings split between two Single-A levels this year.
The trade has been met with mixed reactions, with some understanding the reasoning behind the trade, while others see it as a major bummer. The Tigers are two games behind the third wild-card spot in the loss column and decided not to employ one of the best pitchers in baseball for the rest of the season.
The history of rental ace trades tells us that the prospects are unlikely to amount to much. The best player to come out of such trades was Michael Brantley, with Matthew Boyd possibly being the second best. The Tigers' decision to trade Skubal highlights the challenges of building a competitive roster.
The trade is a significant development in the MLB season, with the Dodgers looking to make a deep run in the postseason. With Skubal joining the rotation, the Dodgers are now even more formidable opponents. The question on everyone's mind is: what happens next?
Source: CBS