Dodgers Reportedly Lead Chase for Tigers' Ace Skubal Amid Ohtani Uncertainty

The Los Angeles Dodgers are emerging as the leading contender to acquire Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal before the Major League Baseball trade deadline on August 3. Industry insiders widely anticipate Skubal, a strong candidate for the Cy Young award, will be traded, with many pointing to the Dodgers as the most probable destination.

ESPN reporter Jeff Passan indicated on the "First Take" program that while other teams like the Brewers, Rays, and Braves are expected to compete, the consensus is that the Dodgers will secure Skubal. The Dodgers' interest in the left-handed pitcher has been a persistent topic of discussion, though some question whether they would commit top prospects in a trade, especially with Cy Young pitchers Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow nearing their return from injury.

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The Dodgers’ interest in Tarik Skubal has increased due to questions surrounding Shohei Ohtani’s availability to pitch, as I reported on @MLBNetwork earlier.

Adding to the intrigue is the uncertain pitching status of the Dodgers' star player, Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to left knee inflammation, and his bullpen sessions are currently paused, with no clear timeline for his return as a pitcher. This uncertainty surrounding Ohtani's ability to pitch may heighten the Dodgers' urgency to acquire Skubal.

MLB insider Jon Paul Morosi noted that the questions surrounding Ohtani's pitching availability could indeed make the Dodgers more motivated to pursue a trade for Skubal. However, Morosi also suggested that it is unlikely the Tigers would receive top outfield prospect Josue De Paula as the primary piece in a multi-player deal for Skubal.

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Yet it is unlikely the Tigers could obtain OF prospect Josue De Paula as the headliner in a multi-player package.