The Detroit Tigers are expected to trade ace lefty Tarik Skubal before the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline, with the Los Angeles Dodgers considered the clear favorites to land the two-time reigning AL Cy Young winner.
Skubal, 29, has a 2.79 ERA in just 16 starts this season, despite missing some time due to elbow surgery. He made what may be his final start in a Tigers uniform on Wednesday, giving up three earned runs over 6 2/3 innings against Baltimore.
The Dodgers have one of the best farm systems in the game, allowing them to put together a strong package for Skubal. They also need starting pitching help with Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow on the injured list, and Shohei Ohtani not pitching at the moment.
The Dodgers' aggressive approach to trades and free agents makes them the perfect fit for Skubal, who is set to hit free agency after this season. They're looking to make a rare three-peat, and adding Skubal to their rotation would make them an even more formidable team.
The Brewers appear to be the Dodgers' top competition in the National League, with the potential to see Skubal and NL Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski pitching back-to-back in a playoff series.
The Rays and Yankees are also in the mix for Skubal, with the AL East being a wide-open division this year. The Mariners, however, are listed at +2500, and starting pitching isn't their top priority.
The Cubs need starting pitching help more than any other contender, and adding Skubal would change them from an intriguing contender into a top competitor. The Braves could also use some upgrades in the rotation, and a duo of Chris Sale and Skubal would be devastating for opposing hitters in October.
A Phillies move for Skubal would be massive, giving them a dangerous trio of Skubal, Zack Wheeler, and Cristopher Sanchez in a shortened postseason series. However, the team doesn't appear to have the same caliber of trade chips as other teams in the Skubal sweepstakes.
The wild card here is Skubal simply staying in Detroit. The Tigers don't have to deal their prized ace, and if they don't get a trade package to their liking, they could just hold onto him.
With the trade deadline approaching, it remains to be seen whether the Dodgers can secure a deal for Skubal, or if another team will make a move to land the lefty ace.
Source: CBS