One of the biggest pieces of trade deadline news for theAtlanta Braves is the fact thatthe franchise made a strong push to add current Los Angeles Dodger Tarik Skubal. It seems that the Detroit Tigers had fallen in love with a certain Dodger prospect, leaving Atlanta little chance of completing a deal that would've cemented the Braves alongside the two-time defending champs as clear World Series favorites. With this in mind, it is fair to have a level of frustration around the failed deal, while realizing the road to adding Skubal might not be gone just yet.
The left-hander is getting ready to hit free agency and unquestionably will be at the top of any wishlist for a fanbase looking for starting pitching. Skubal is an unquestioned ace who could step in and take pressure off an aging Chris Sale and allow the Braves to get the absolute best out of their current options.
Signing Skubal is going to be undeniably expensive, but the Braves could look to make salary room by parting ways with a combination of Sean Murphy, Jurickson Profar, Mike Yastrzemski, and Reynaldo Lopez, all of whom are on high-paying deals and could easily have the page turned to create the needed space to sign a player like Skubal.
Already, you know the Braves have a level of interest in the pitcher based on the trade deadline pursuit. Waiting until the offseason and only needing to give up salary to add the pitcher, and doing so on a long-term deal, is arguably the better decision if the Dodgers aren't able to beat the Braves to the punch and offer an unrealistic deal.
Braves Fans Shouldn't Give up on Dreams of Adding Tarik Skubal to Atlanta's Rotation Just Yet
Skubal has been solid with the Dodgers, offering 50.0 innings and a 2.52 ERA, producing the level of production you expect from a top-of-the-rotation option. Everything about Skubal's past three seasons suggests that this level of production can be maintained, and the Braves would be adding a defining presence in the rotation for years to come.
Injuries to Spencer Strider and the team's young options have left no question that you can never have too much pitching. Both Martin Perez and Tyler Mahle are set to hit free agency as well, making it all the more urgent that you find a way to add to the current rotation.
Signing Skubal is going to be difficult, but very plausible for an Atlanta team with a core capable of World Series contention and the ability to open up salary space. No question, it is a fit to keep a close eye on over the early weeks of the offseason.
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