The Los Angeles Dodgers remain in the middle of trade conversations, including being the front-runner for the biggest prize before the MLB trade deadline: Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal.
The Dodgers will have to be willing to part with not only some of their younger talent, but also some of the role players from their championship runs if they want to help strengthen their ability to three-peat by adding Skubal.
The franchise has faced its share of injuries this season with Shohei Ohtani being the latest. While Ohtani has been able to serve as a designated hitter, he's been unavailable as a pitcher.
Despite his absence, the pitching rotation will still have a strong selection of arms to work with. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated that
Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are taking steps towards a return and participating in rehab assignments in the coming days.
The bullpen saw the return of relief pitcher Edwin Diaz this week.
Skubal remains a top prize for the Dodgers, but he may not be the only priority for them before the deadline.
Do Dodgers need Tarik Skubal?
The Dodgers have been linked to Skubal since December and that buzz has only progressed with the deadline drawing closer.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner is one of MLB's best pitchers and the Dodgers could greatly benefit from having him on the mound — and not having to face him in the postseason.
Adding a starting arm like Skubal could also help alleviate some pressure from the rotation, though he's also dealt with his share of injuries this season.
The pitcher missed about five weeks with an elbow injury earlier this season and returned sooner than expected after he underwent a revolutionary procedure.
What are other positions of need for Dodgers?
The Dodgers have likely continued to evaluate their depth at catcher. The Dodgers are still hoping to get primary catcher Will Smith back in the near future.
Smith started his hitting progression in the batting cages on July 31, according to Roberts. The news indicates a step in the right direction for Smith's recovery.
With Smith out, the Dodgers have relied on Dalton Rushing. While there were some miscues early, Roberts has been pleased with his performances in recent weeks.
"He's doing great and growing up," Roberts said. "I love the relationships he's building with the pitchers. He cares and that's a really good thing, and he's starting to build trust with those guys."
If the Dodgers have confidence in Rushing as a secondary option, the team may simply explore a minor-league talent at the position.
The team has plenty of outfield prospects and could part ways with one of them to help rebalance the farm system with a catching prospect.
Could Dodgers trade Teoscar Hernández?
The Dodgers are not reportedly shopping Teoscar Hernández before the deadline, but that does not mean the team wouldn't listen to offers.
ESPN's Jeff Passan wrote on Threads during a Q&A session: "With the lack of (right-handed hitters on the market) and the Dodgers' minor league outfield depth, Hernández could potentially be on the move."
Hernández is under contract through the 2027 season but has experienced a lack of production this season, especially compared to previous seasons.
Passan cited the New York Yankees as a potential destination for Hernández, especially if they were to value what potential he could still offer and his postseason experience.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dodgers trade rumors: Latest on Tarik Skubal, Teoscar Hernandez and more
