Stacy: We’re having the wrong conversation about Dodgers’ Tarik Skubal trade

We’re having the wrong conversation about Tarik Skubal and the Dodgers.

You knew the deal was coming. When ESPN’s Jeff Passan broke the news Saturday the already heavy World Series favorite and two-time defending champs made a deal for the Tigers ace, the lack of surprise is precisely what made it morbidly amusing.

A closer look at Mariners’ haul from Luis Castillo trade

Of course the team that already won the Shohei Ohtani bidding war added a two-time Cy Young winner…

Of course a team rolling out a $420 million payroll, chock full of All Stars and former World Series MVPs, added the prize of the trade deadline…

Of course the rich got richer.

And quite honestly, good for the Dodgers. While their farm system and player development have been impeccable (something any team can and should try to do, though few accomplish to the degree LA has), arguments ignoring the financial realities of the Dodgers’ situation compared to mid- and small-market teams are intentionally superficial and hardly worth addressing. But while we’re here: yes, the Dodgers have an advantage most other teams don’t. It’s OK to admit it, Dodgers fans — no one is mad at you.

The Dodgers are in a massive media market and have a massive fan base with massive spending power. In their defense, a handful of other teams with that kind of outreach could be spending more aggressively and choose not to (looking at you, Chicago). But the Dodgers also uniquely benefit from a media deal struck with MLB back in 2013 that allows them to keep an extra $60 million or so that would otherwise be subject to revenue sharing (more on that here).

So, when someone says “any team who really wanted to could’ve given the prospects LA did for Skubal,” they’re technically right. The Brewers and Rays were both reportedly suitors for Skubal, and both own top-tier farm systems. They absolutely could’ve met the demand from Detroit, and it’s understandable why — ahead of contentious labor negotiations that will likely lead to a lockout in 2027 — some critics are wondering whether owners of those teams allowed the Dodgers to get Skubal in the hopes that it would boost fan support for their stance on a salary cap. I love a good conspiracy theory! And who would put that one past a group of billionaires?

But there is context missing with that argument, and this part is real, too: prospects mean more to small market teams. Sure, a lot of clubs might be choosing to invest less in order to boost their own return (a very fair point from the players union), but it’s disingenuous to pretend every market and every ownership group owns the same spending power. The Brewers and Rays could’ve had Skubal… but it would’ve been a true rental (with the expectation that Skubal eventually signs with the Dodgers in free agency), and the prospects surrendered aren’t ones they could easily replace with free agent signings.

But without the benefit of a completely level playing field, will owners still be willing to do whatever it takes to win it all? Should they have to?

That’s the real conversation we should be having this offseason. To be honest, I don’t entirely know the right answer. As much as every league needs a villain, it’s hard watching a team like the Dodgers become an unstoppable force. But still, I think the answer should be… “yes.” Because a lack of spending isn’t the only measure of an unwillingness to focus on winning. And there should be pressure on developing the things all teams can control: a great farm system, elite player development, top-tier managers and an investment in keeping good coaches and leaders.

Hear Bump & Stacy discuss this topic in the middle segment of the podcast below. Catch Stacy Rost on Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy live from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.

Mariners Injury Updates: Latest on Crawford, Brash, and others

Related

Dante Fowler Jr. on joining Seahawks: ‘I like what the standard is’Brendan Donovan’s return will be ‘huge boost’ to M’s, analyst saysExpectation growing that Mariners will trade Emerson HancockSeahawks’ DeMarcus Lawrence shares why he’s back after being ‘very close’ to retiringTwo factors can help Seahawks’ O-line continue to riseStacy Rost: 3 Seahawks we’re watching close in training camp