3 reasons why Dodgers are a perfect fit for a Tarik Skubal trade

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are sitting well ahead of the rest of the NL West for the division title, and barring a collapse, should be a lock to receive a first-round bye.

With a three-peat in their sights, the Dodgers have every reason to consider buying at the trade deadline. But what about splurging and adding Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers in a deal this summer?

ESPN's Jeff Passan named Skubal the Dodgers' "best" and "dream" match at this year's trade deadline. In doing so, Passan also revealed three reasons why a trade of Skubal to the Dodgers would make a lot of sense for Los Angeles this summer.

3 reasons why a Tarik Skubal trade to the Dodgers makes sense

1. Dodgers have a loaded farm system to make such a trade

"The Dodgers have the sort of farm system Detroit would love to raid," Passan writes. Having a great farm system is key to any team being a big spender.

For the Dodgers, they have plenty of great prospects that would help land someone as good as Skubal. They could use Justin Wrobleski or Emmet Sheehan in a deal, but if they want to use just prospects, they have some great options.

Outfielders Josue De Paula, Mike Sirota, Zyhir Hope, and Eduardo Quintero are some of the better outfield prospects and could be centerpieces in a deal for Skubal. River Ryan, Christian Zazueta, Jackson Ferris, and many other pitchers could be a help, too. 

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2. Adding Skubal would seem to all but guarantee a title

"... and adding Subal to a rotation that includes Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell would make them damn near unassailable," Passan writes.

This is a very simple reason, but it might be one of the most important. Adding Skubal to this rotation would give the Dodgers the sort of rotation that could completely shut down teams in October.

Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tarik Skubal would make for an elite trio that would start all but one game in a postseason series if things line up right.

After those three, the Dodgers could turn to Wrobleski, Sheehan, Roki Sasaki, Snell, or Tyler Glasnow out of the bullpen, or as a starter if needed due to injury or a prolonged series.

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3. Blocking other MLB clubs from landing Skubal

"Other teams need Skubal more, certainly, but that's of little concern to the Dodgers," Passan writes.

This might be the sneakiest reason why the Dodgers should trade for Skubal. Adding him would block other clubs, like the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago Cubs, from landing him.

Not only would it help the Dodgers by adding Skubal in a trade, but by blocking other clubs from adding him, they would have worse options to choose from at this year's trade deadline.

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Dodgers are a seemingly perfect fit for Skubal at the trade deadline

Since the Dodgers are eyeing a three-peat as World Series champions, and they have an elite rotation already, adding Skubal would be a luxury of all luxuries for the Dodgers.

But, with how good the Dodgers' rotation could be, their ability to afford his lofty price tag both financially and in a trade, along with the potential to block their top competitors from landing Skubal, a deal for the Tigers' ace makes a lot of sense.

Skubal to the Dodgers would surely frustrate all of Major League Baseball fans, but from the Dodgers' perspective, there are some pretty good reasons why making such a trade would be immensely beneficial to the franchise.

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