The Los Angeles Dodgers seem to be the team in MLB that can offer exactly what the Detroit Tigers want for Tarik Skubal.
In a major reveal on Thursday afternoon, an off day for the Dodgers, insider Jon Heyman reported that the Tigers are looking for controllable pitching and position players close to the big leagues.
While not exactly some kind of breaking news, considering most teams who reasonably ask for this when targeting an ace pitcher, this is the first clear notion of what the franchise is looking for if they deal Skubal.
Rather than targeting the highest-upside players, the Tigers seemingly want players who will not take too long to be ready to contribute.
The Dodgers have one of the best farm systems in baseball, with top-end talent capable of offering a prospect package, and they are also uniquely equipped with budding major-league talent and minor-league players close to the show.
Who can the Dodgers offer?
Cost-controlled pitchers: Emmet Sheehan, Justin Wrobleski, River Ryan, and Jackson Ferris
Nearly ready position players: James Tibbs III, Zach Ehrhard, Ryan Ward, Mike Sirota, and Josue De Paula
Out of these two groups, the Dodgers can put together a great package for Skubal that includes both of what the Tigers want.
In fact, the Dodgers can lay out these options for the Tigers and give them the pick of the litter. The least likely to be moved in a Skubal deal is clearly De Paula, who is the real gem of the Dodgers system and has broken into the top tier of prospect evaluation.
A combination of Wrobleski and Tibbs would generate some serious consideration from Detroit, who would get a quality starter that can get outs, along with Tibbs, one of the hottest minor league players in baseball.
Then, it might take one more player to get it done if a true bidding war does ensue, but even just a Wrobleski/Sheehan + Tibbs should get the Dodgers close.
Why the Dodgers can get the trade done
The Brewers are the only team that can legitimately compete for Skubal if the Dodgers push hard for him, but trading for an expensive rental who would demand top dollar goes against their DNA — see no further than the Freddy Peralta deal.
For this reason, along with the Dodgers’ resources, LA is the team lined up for Skubal.
