Dodgers Rumors: Suspected offseason trade candidates emphasize Tarik Skubal importance

The Tarik Skubal situation appears to be following a similar trend that the Kyle Tucker rumors had last season. The expectation was that Tucker would eventually find his way to Los Angeles Dodgers, and while there were smoke and mirrors involved, Tucker did find his way to LA.

Skubal is already in LA, and since the Dodgers added him at the deadline the expectation has been that he will quickly sign a new contract with the team once the offseason starts. That said, there's going to be more smoke and mirrors.

Recent speculation is that Skubal could receive a contract that carries an AAV of $50 million. Whether or not that actually happens remains to be seen, but as part of this conversation it's time to look at other alternatives the Dodgers may need to consider.

Here's the problem, no worthy alternative exists on the free agent market. After Skubal, there's a debate over who is the next best available starting pitcher. It stands to reason any team that misses out on Skubal would turn to the trade market.

Emerging trade candidates make it clear Dodgers need to prioritize Tarik Skubal

Along those lines, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand has a useful primer, taking a look at candidates who could be traded during the offseason. Most of it does read as a follow-up to the players who did not get traded at the deadline, but there are mentions of Logan Gilbert, Shane McClanahan, and Spencer Strider.

Of the three, the most creative option would be Strider. He hasn't really been healthy since the 2023 season, and when he has been on the mound for the Atlanta Braves he hasn't been good. That said, if the Braves are eager to shed his contract, owed $22 million in 2027 and 2028, the Dodgers would be one of the few teams capable of taking it on, especially since Strider would be considered a gamble. And, while the Dodgers would need to replace Skubal, they do have runway to give Strider a soft landing as he potentially returns to form.

But, assuming more established options would be the move for the Dodgers, Gilbert would likely be the best of the three, considering his arrival would come with little injury concern — something that even McClanahan hasn't been able to shed over the past couple of years.

Reaching the end of this exercise, perhaps the best path forward for the Dodgers would be to just do what everyone expects them to do and sign Skubal.

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