Tarik Skubal has been around the rumor mill for a long time with several teams trying to get their hands on the top pitcher. While the Detroit Tigers are not going to give him up easily, the Los Angeles Dodgers could tempt them with five other players.
Manager Dave Roberts and his team could go beyond, especially since they have a list of top pitchers sidelined. Tyler Glasow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw are on the injured list, leaving them to deal with the remaining of their squad. Bobby Miller's debut did not go well and Skubal seems to be the perfect fit in his place.
The Dodgers are certainly capable of pulling off big moves, but the Tigers would likely need a great deal to give up one of their top pitchers.
5 players the Dodgers could trade for Tarik Skubal
#1. James Outman
James Outman's 2024 season has been a downward spiral. The slugger is slashing .156/ .254/ .516 with just three home runs and 10 RBIs. On the other hand, Outman can be a useful outfielder for the Tigers. With top players at their best on the team, it might be hard for Outman to perform.
#2. Nick Frasso
Nick Frasso is one pitcher the Dodgers have not used. The Tigers could build a top pitcher for the future if Frasso gets on board. Despite the injuries, it's hard to see Frasso pitch frequently for the Dodgers. Hence, he could be on the list to help pursue Skubal.
#3. River Ryan
The Dodgers acquired River Ryan in 2022 from their NL East rival, the San Diego Padres. The right-handed pitcher might add to the Tigers' rotation in the future. These players can turn out to be top prospects for the Tigers. However, the Tigers will likely need more for Skubal.
#4. Landon Knack
Undoubtedly, the Dodgers must provide some value to the Tigers if they need Skubal. Knack quickly established himself in Dodger Blue, but the franchise might not hesitate to trade Knack for Skubal as he is still a rookie.
#5. Dalton Rushing
Dalton Rushing is a top candidate who the Dodgers picked. Rushing is a versatile player who could switch as a catcher and play at first base. The Tigers need such a player for the future to build a stronger team, but all at the price of trading Tarik Skubal.
While these are a few players who could build the Tigers' future, parting ways with a top baseball pitcher like Tarik Skubal is not an easy price to pay. Yet, the Dodgers could make some changes or add another player to strengthen their rotation.