Los Angeles Dodgers fan favorite Joe Kelly, who knows a thing or two about pitching, spoke about the rumors around Tarik Skubal coming to LA.
The Dodgers are no strangers to talking about a possible blockbuster trade or signing. However, despite their reputation for star-hunting, they tend to operate in a measured manner come the trade deadline.
Their typical approach has not stopped the rumor mill and chatter that the Dodgers will strike big and get the marquee name of the market — Tarik Skubal.
Skubal is an ace who can change the playoff picture quickly, and even though the Detroit Tigers want to compete, they risk losing him for nothing in free agency as he will command top dollar.
Naturally, this leaves Skubal and the Tigers in a tricky spot, and as a result, a trade may or may not be on the cards.
With the prospects to pull off a deal and the finances to pay his current contract plus make an offer to keep him in the offseason, the Dodgers are a natural landing spot for Skubal.
Joe Kelly’s Take
While the MLB world waits with bated breath, Dodgers Nation’s very own Ava Brand managed to ask Joe Kelly about what the trade picture looks like for Skubal.
“I mean, I could see it happening, but from a business standpoint, if I was playing GM or president, I don’t know if it’s worth what you’re gonna give up — resetting your prospect list or even someone from the major league club, because, obviously, it’s gonna take something like that,” Kelly said.
“I’d say, I don’t think it’ll happen. Sorry, Dodger fans.”
Kelly’s stance sounds similar to what Dodgers beat reporters have been echoing — the organization does not want to give up long-term assets for a three-peat push.
Given how much they have already invested in the roster, it would make sense for them to keep their tradeable assets and take a forward-looking approach.
However, if they can add a talent like Skubal or at least keep him away from a contender, the Dodgers will have a hard time walking away from talks.
