MLB trade deadline rumors: biggest questions ahead
Bob Nightengale breaks down the biggest trade deadline questions as contenders and sellers weigh their next moves.
The Dodgers do not need Tarik Skubal. Andrew Friedman made clear Wednesday that has never been the standard.
“I think our mindset is, there aren’t that many star players in the game,” the Dodgers president of baseball operations told reporters on Wednesday. “And anytime one is available, we’re always going to participate in those conversations.”
But Skubal is the only player on the trade market right now who could fit that description. Detroit is 51-58, fourth in the American League Central and in Skubal’s last start blew a seven-run lead to lose again. He is a few months from free agency, which is the whole reason every contender in baseball is part of the conversation about where Skubal will land after Monday, Aug. 3’s 6 p.m. ET trade deadline.
The 29-year-old lefty continues to dominate even after missing time to have his elbow cleaned out. He’s posted a 2.79 ERA with 116 strikeouts across 96.2 innings. His elite fastball velocity, 33% whiff rate, and league-leading walk rate (3.7%) make him a generational star.
That does not mean the Dodgers are making a push for Skubal, but like all good front offices, they are talking.
The Dodgers are 67-40, own the best record in baseball and lead Arizona by 11 games. Friedman told the Orange County Register on Monday that both the roster and depth “feel really good” to him. He also noted that some of his best deadline work in past years involved players who weren’t on the radar two weeks out.
The Dodgers’ real need is behind the plate. Will Smith hasn’t played since June 5 and isn’t expected back until the middle of August. Dalton Rushing has carried the catching load, with Eliezer Alfonzo backing him up.
Help is arriving everywhere else. Edwin Diaz came off the injured list Wednesday. Kiké Hernandez returned on Tuesday, roughly a month ahead of schedule from a grade 3 oblique strain. Blake Snell is due back in early August. Tyler Glasnow threw live batting practice at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday and has a rehab assignment next on his list.
Shohei Ohtani is the exception. He hasn’t pitched since July 3, pushed back a bullpen session Saturday and has no timeline to return to the mound. Asked whether the Dodgers would consider using him only as a hitter in October, Dave Roberts said that isn’t the plan and called it “highly unlikely.” Friedman said Wednesday that he expects Ohtani to pitch again this year.