Dodgers take important step towards rumored Tarik Skubal pursuit

The All-Star break couldn't have come at a better time for the Dodgers, who limped into their series against the Tigers this past weekend and came out on the other end in even worse shape. They put James Paxton and his 4.00+ ERA on the mound in Game 1, rookie Justin Wrobleski in Game 2, and waiver claim Brent Honeywell, who literally got off the plane in Detroit 13 hours before he had to start, in Game 3.

The Dodgers' pitching staff couldn't be in worse shape. You could make an All-Star rotation out of the starters they have on the IL, but instead they're left with Paxton, Wrobleski, Gavin Stone, Landon Knack, and soon enough River Ryan; all but Stone are either ineffective or unproven.

It would make sense, then, for LA to intensify their chase of White Sox ace Garrett Crochet behind the scenes. They'll need to add to the presumably already significant offer they made that Chicago quickly shot down. It would also make sense if they're willing to bring that kind of aggression to other pursuits, and it seems like they are.

Writing for Sports Illustrated, Tom Verducci reported that the Dodgers and Orioles are putting together massive packages to tempt the Tigers to part with lefty ace Tarik Skubal, confirming what Jim Bowden floated for The Athletic a few weeks ago, when the Dodgers' interest in Skubal was almost entirely based on supposition.

Dodgers reportedly preparing to offer Tigers a package "loaded with top prospects" for Tarik Skubal

If the Dodgers are going after starters of Crochet and Skubal's caliber, then parting with top prospects is inevitable. LA has found themselves in such desperate times that watching the likes of Dalton Rushing (who doesn't have a very clear path to the majors with the Dodgers anyway) and Josue De Paula depart might not even register to fans as huge losses. If anything, some might encourage the team to sacrifice them in the pursuit of a World Series championship this season.

Skubal might be an even harder get for the Dodgers than Crochet. The White Sox will sell, but the Tigers don't have as desperate a need to do the same. They don't have much of a shot at the postseason, but they're far from being the worst team in the league. They could make do with what a Jack Flaherty deal will net them without invoking the ire of Tigers fans by dealing Skubal.

Still, it seems like a fight worth fighting. If LA does get him, then they'll have who Jeff Passan called "the best pitcher in baseball" on their team during the playoffs. There's nothing to lose by trying.