ESPN prediction suggests Dodgers fans must be patient with Tarik Skubal trade

With a little over a month before spring training starts, it feels like we can put to rest the idea of the Detroit Tigers trading Tarik Skubal this offseason. While the Tigers haven't completely shut down the idea, and the Los Angeles Dodgers remain the best fit, it seems the indecisiveness from Detroit is tied to the fact that they were a game away from reaching the ALCS in 2025.

As much as the Dodgers fans may not want to hear it, the Tigers couldn't afford to trade Skubal after the season they just had.

That doesn't mean they won't. It hasn't exactly been an offseason where Detroit has solidified its standing as one of the top teams in the American League, and while not likely, there is a scenario where they are out of contention by July. If that's the case, Skubal almost certainly will be on the trade market with the expectation that he will be moved before the deadline.

If nothing else, in that scenario, the Tigers don't want to face the reality of Skubal leaving for nothing but a comp pick next offseason. That would set the stage for the Dodgers pulling off the inevitable and trading for the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner.

Even if the Dodgers don't trade for Tarik Skubal this offseason, it could be only a matter of time

In fact, that was the very prediction ESPN's Jesse Rogers had. In rolling out their bold predictions for 2026, the MLB insider has the Dodgers trading for Skubal in July. Rogers mentions that the Dodgers, unlike other teams, would have the means to justify the prospects included in such a trade, even if Skubal is considered a rental at the time.

In other words, the Dodgers' desire for a three-peat may outweigh the risk of sacrificing the required prospects only to lose the ace next offseason. Though if we're being honest, Skubal signing with Los Angeles next winter does feel like a formality.

There's also a benefit for the Dodgers. Regardless of the time, trading for Skubal is going to be costly, but the price almost certainly will be less at the deadline. Sure, multiple top prospects will still be involved, but not nearly as many would be needed if the Dodgers were trading for a full season of the 29-year-old starting pitcher.

It's odd, but this time around, patience may be best thing for Los Angeles.