MLB insider just made the Dodgers case for Tarik Skubal even stronger

In what's become the longest running game of millionaire baseball matchmaker, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain deeply in the mix for Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal ahead of the trade deadline. Putting the best pitcher in the world on the best team in the world would certainly draw the ire of every other fanbase, but when you're going for a mythical three-peat, nothing can be ruled off the table.

The Tigers are doing everything in their power to avoid a sell-off after ending the first half on a strong run and reinserting themselves into the crowded AL Wild Card picture. Detroit also has a pretty easy pre-deadline schedule ahead of them, meaning that Skubal may not be for sale after all.

If the Tigers falter, however, the Dodgers will be right at the front of the line for the two-time Cy Young Award winner. Even in the midst of a "down" season (by his standards) that has been plagued by some injury misfortune, Skubal would immediately form the league's best starting trio alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani.

As if the team needs any motivation to make a deal beyond that, it's also worth considering the finances at play.

Dodgers Rumors: LA could wield its financial might at the trade deadline to land Tarik Skubal

FanSided's MLB insider, Robert Murray, was just the latest to connect the star pitcher to the Dodgers, though he also shared this revelation from a rival front office executive: “It’s tough for a team to just come up with the close to $12-14 million he will be owed after a trade that isn’t budgeted for. Teams don’t typically have a bunch of extra cash laying around midseason, so it takes an ownership group willing to find extra cash.”

Even though Skubal is a rental, his hefty 2026 salary will play a part in his trade market. A lot of other contenders won't be able to assume his $32 million AAV without exceeding the first (or next) luxury tax threshold, which is especially privy this year since the upcoming offseason will only last about one month prior to the expected lockout.

Ownership groups preparing for a lengthy battle and potential lost revenue if 2027 games are canceled won't be too pleased with the idea of adding Skubal's remaining salary plus any Competitive Balance Tax penalties to their payroll this year.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers have already blown well beyond the third and final CBT threshold, and they've never been shy about taking on additional salary to increase their championship chances. It's true that their penalties for assuming Skubal's final year of arbitration would be enormous, but that can easily be offset with another deep run in October (especially if it ends with a title).

Bringing in the southpaw now would also increase the organization's chances of signing him to a long-term deal prior to the lockout — on the other end of which there could be significant limits to the team's spending. Add it all up, and it's impossible to ignore the financial advantage the Dodgers hold in Skubal's market.

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