Why Cubs face disadvantage in Tarik Skubal trade talks with Dodgers, Rays, Brewers

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This year, the MLB trade deadline is bound to have some very interesting names floating around as rumored trade candidates. For the Chicago Cubs, all of the pitching talent will be of great interest.

Obviously, with the Detroit Tigers' struggles, Tarik Skubal would be an ideal trade target. However, trading for Skubal won't be easy. Unfortunately for the Cubs, it's also going to be a lot more challenging than it would be for some other clubs.

As ESPN's David Schoenfield revealed, there's one reason why the Cubs are at a disadvantage in trade talks for Skubal compared to clubs like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Tampa Bay Rays: farm system quality.

Cubs have a prospect issue when it comes to Tarik Skubal trade rumors

"They could be in the mix for Skubal as well, although the Brewers, Dodgers and Rays have an edge in farm system quality," Schoenfield writes.

This farm system issue for the Cubs will pose a problem at the trade deadline, and the Skubal sweepstakes might be the best example of why it's a problem.

While the Cubs might have some decent trade chips, including Moises Ballesteros, Matt Shaw, Kevin Alcantara, and others, the Dodgers, Brewers, Rays, and other clubs have better prospects they could trade this summer than the Cubs do.

MORE: 3 reasons why Braves are perfect fit for Tarik Skubal at MLB trade deadline

Schoenfield tabbed the Cubs as trade suitors for Freddy Peralta of the New York Mets, a rental starter who, while he has a 2.70 ERA during an All-Star season a year ago, has posted a 4.81 ERA this season and looks nothing like the pitcher he was last year.

Chicago needs more rotation and bullpen help, and they might end up forced to participate in the lesser trade markets thanks to a weaker farm system.

The Cubs aren't completely out of the running for Skubal, as they could get creative and trade from their MLB roster. But, it's looking like a long shot with their weaker farm system right now.