Dodgers’ interest in star trade candidate should let Tigers fans relax a little with Tarik Skubal

Detroit Tigers fans have been anxious all offseason long over conflicting Tarik Skubal reports. Despite Skubal's public displays of affection for the Tigers (including hilariously refusing to sign a Yankees hat), fans have remained wary of Skubal's most powerful potential suitors, most notably the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers don't need Skubal, but they didn't need Edwin Díaz, either. They don't need anyone at this point. That hasn't made Tigers fans any less apprehensive, although a new report from The Athletic might help matters. Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon suggested that LA is closely monitoring an ace on the trade market whose name isn't Skubal: Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta.

"Both New York clubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox are among the teams showing interest (in Peralta)," Rosenthal and Sammon revealed.

And that could be very good news for Tigers fans.

If the Dodgers are seriously pursuing Freddy Peralta, you have to think Tarik Skubal trade explorations have been paused ... for now.

LA's interest in Peralta brings good and bad tidings to the Tigers, but in terms of the immediate future, it's positive news. Already blessed with an excess corps of stud starting pitchers, the Dodgers wouldn't likely be in on Freddy if they were at all still of the belief that trading for Skubal this offseason were possible.

On the other hand, Peralta and his expiring contract is precisely the situation you'd be interested in if you were intent on maintaining cap flexibility to sign or re-sign Skubal next offseason. In the latter case, this would imply that the Dodgers are still open to trading for Tarik in July (if it becomes more realistic than now). In the former scenario, Los Angeles would be prepping to give Skubal half a billion dollars next winter following his final full season in Detroit.

Given all the Skubal stress that Tigers fans have experienced this offseason, though, even short-term relief is something they welcome with open arms. That's why the Peralta news is great to hear. It makes sense, too. If a Skubal trade was actually on the table this winter, we'd probably be hearing more about it. Scott Harris wouldn't have any reason to keep things hush-hush during a large-scale bidding war.

Compared to November, though, Skubal buzz has died down considerably. Suitors like the Dodgers surely checked in with Harris early on, but by now, maybe they've realized that since Skubal's staying put this offseason, it's best to pocket the pursuit and return at a later date.