Dodgers trading Eric Lauer hardly makes sense even if LA acquires Tarik Skubal

The Los Angeles Dodgers once again find themselves at the center of the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes, and there's a scenario where Shohei Ohtani's injury scare pushes Andrew Friedman toward making a blockbuster deal with the Detroit Tigers. As that conversation has unfolded, there's been an uptick in speculation that Eric Lauer could be a potential trade chip.

Before the conversation surrounding Skubal began to heat up, the impression was that the Dodgers were looking for ways to restock their farm system. To be clear, the Dodgers still have several of the game's best prospects, but between recent penalties, free agency and international free-agent signings, the draft couldn't be used as the primary method to breathe new life into the system.

Considering the need that exists for starting pitching across the league, it makes sense that Lauer would be one of the Dodgers' trade chips that was made available before Monday. He's set to hit free agency this offseason, and after his arrival to the Dodgers, he sports a 2.96 ERA in just under 53 innings pitched.

Trading Eric Lauer would risk the Dodgers becoming too cute at 2026 MLB trade deadline

Ohtani, barring any new development from the Dodgers, remains on track to be a part of the Dodgers' rotation come October, and the same is likely true for Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow. Under that scenario, it's easy to see why the idea of trading Lauer has popped up.

Even if Skubal is added to the mix, the notion would be trading Lauer can help replace some of the prospects the Dodgers would lose in a deal with the Tigers.

On paper, no one would bat an eye over that concept. The problem is that it ignores how baseball works in the postseason. Beyond the need for a strong rotation, there's a need to have multiple arms in the bullpen capable of being used as bulk relievers. Considering Lauer is only making $4.4 million this season, he would be an easy way for LA to check that box.

Not to mention, counting on Snell, Glasnow, and, sigh, Ohtani to all be healthy in October feels like a reach. Even Skubal hasn't had the cleanest bills of health this season.

Perhaps the demand for pitching is so high that the Dodgers become overwhelmed and trade Lauer, but that's the only scenario that should be considered. Otherwise, he's positioned to a quiet X-factor for the Dodgers down the stretch.

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