Dave Roberts commenting on possible Tarik Skubal trade has Dodgers rumors swirling

The Los Angeles Dodgers never seem to stay out of the conversation when a superstar becomes available, and manager Dave Roberts may have added even more fuel to the fire surrounding Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.

Speaking with USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Roberts laughed when discussing the possibility of the Dodgers acquiring the two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner.

"They would go ballistic," Roberts said of the reaction around baseball. "But we would have the prospect capital to do that. We are one of the teams that could do that with the Tigers."

While Roberts stopped well short of suggesting any negotiations are taking place, his comments highlight a reality that makes the Dodgers impossible to ignore in the Skubal sweepstakes. Few organizations possess the combination of financial muscle, championship aspirations and prospect depth necessary to pursue a player of Skubal's caliber.

Dave Roberts' Tarik Skubal comments ensure Dodgers-Tigers trade rumors will never end

The Dodgers are once again dealing with significant pitching injuries. Tyler Glasnow remains sidelined, while Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone, and Landon Knack have all spent time on the injured list. Even with a deep roster, Los Angeles could benefit from adding another frontline starter for a postseason run.

Enter Skubal. The 29-year-old left-hander is expected to return this weekend after missing time following elbow surgery. When healthy, he remains one of baseball's most dominant pitchers, posting a 2.70 ERA through seven starts this season after winning back-to-back Cy Young Awards.

If the Tigers ultimately decide to move him before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, the Dodgers would have the resources to make a compelling offer.

Los Angeles currently boasts one of the strongest farm systems in baseball, headlined by outfield prospects Josue De Paula, Zyhir Hope, Eduardo Quintero, Mike Sirota and Charles Davalan. The organization also has upper-level talent such as James Tibbs, giving it multiple pathways to construct a package without significantly weakening its Major League roster.

From Detroit's perspective, outfield depth remains an organizational need behind Riley Greene and top prospect Max Clark. A deal centered around one or more of the Dodgers' highly regarded outfield prospects could make sense if the Tigers decide selling is their best path forward.

Of course, that's still a major "if." Detroit has won six of its last 10 games and is getting Skubal back at a critical point in the season. If the Tigers continue to climb back into the American League Wild Card race, the front office may decide keeping its ace gives the club a better chance to compete than any prospect package could offer.

Still, Roberts' comments are enough to ensure the Dodgers remain firmly at the center of the rumor mill.

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