What happened: ESPN reporter Jeff Passan identified the Los Angeles Dodgers as the primary trade destination with both the incentive and resources to acquire Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal if he is dealt. Rival executives evaluate a potential Dodgers trade for Tarik Skubal amid concern from industry executives that Los Angeles is downplaying its interest, according to the New York Post. Meanwhile, USA Today reported the left-hander recently told friends he wants to remain in Detroit for the rest of the season to compete for a championship.
Why it matters: Los Angeles enters the All-Star break with baseball's best record and an 11.5-game cushion in the National League West while pursuing a third consecutive World Series title. Starting pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are currently rehabilitating from lengthy injured-list stints, leaving Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Justin Wrobleski to anchor the current rotation. Adding Skubal would protect the pitching staff against October attrition and prevent another postseason contender from landing the Tigers ace.
By the numbers: Despite undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery in early May and missing several starts, Skubal has recorded a 3.09 ERA across 75 2/3 innings this season. The left-hander has struck out 89 batters against just 11 walks while maintaining a 0.952 WHIP.
What to watch: Detroit front office executives must determine over the coming weeks whether to hold Skubal for a second-half run in the American League Central or trade him for a package of top prospects. Los Angeles will monitor the trade market while tracking the injury rehabilitation progress of both Snell and Glasnow.