The last few years have proven that the Los Angeles Dodgers are not scared to spend big in free agency, and this offseason, Tarik Skubal is the big fish on the market.
The Dodgers acquired Skubal from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline to add to their superteam. However, they fell short of the World Series and now must decide if they want to keep Skubal. It may not seem like it because of how much they spend, but even the Dodgers may need to keep an eye on the books when it comes to Skubal.
He could end up signing the biggest contract for a free-agent pitcher ever, and even though the Dodgers can probably find a way to afford it, they may be wise to let Skubal walk for a couple of reasons.
For starters, they don't really need him. They have Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani, who plans to return to pitching next year. Not to mention, they also have Justin Wrobleski, who was an All-Star this year but struggled in the second half. Unlike for most teams, Skubal is a luxury for the Dodgers.
Additionally, they may need to spend elsewhere. They have some key relievers hitting the open market and should ensure their bullpen is good to go for next year. They saw firsthand what an elite bullpen can do to any offense when they played the Milwaukee Brewers.
Skubal will have no problem getting paid as a free agent. Even if the Dodgers let him walk, he will get paid. The Dodgers would surely welcome him back, but would it be worth it if it meant sacrificing their bullpen or other areas of the team?
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