MLB trade rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers eye bold July move for Tarik Skubal as Kansas City Royals weigh rotation-for-outfield trade (Image via Getty) Tarik Skubal is once again at the center of MLB trade rumors, and this time the Los Angeles Dodgers are being linked to a bold midseason move. As free agency stays quiet for many teams this winter, front offices are already thinking ahead to July. The Dodgers are focused on winning now, while other teams are looking to fix weak spots in creative ways.At the same time, the Kansas City Royals are predicted to take a different path. With clear problems in the outfield, Kansas City may use its pitching depth as trade bait. These two ideas are shaping early trade talk across the league.
Tarik Skubal and Los Angeles Dodgers linked to July blockbuster trade
Tarik Skubal’s future with the Detroit Tigers has been under close watch throughout the offseason. The left-hander is a two-time defending American League Cy Young winner and is under team control until 2027. Several big-market teams have checked in, but the Dodgers remain a strong predicted fit. On Friday, ESPN insider Jesse Rogers wrote in his “Bold Predictions for 2026” piece that Los Angeles could push hard for Tarik Skubal if Detroit slips in the standings. “For several reasons from the rarity of a three-peat to a possible new payroll system the Dodgers will push all their chips in,” Rogers wrote.The timing matters. If the Tigers fall out of contention by the July 2026 trade deadline, Los Angeles would have a clear opening. The Dodgers already project a deep rotation that includes Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow, and Emmet Sheehan. Reports suggest Tyler Glasnow or Emmet Sheehan could headline a deal if talks get serious.While Los Angeles looks for elite arms, Kansas City is focused on hitting. According to MLB Trade Rumors on Thursday, the Royals may trade from their starting rotation to upgrade the outfield.The numbers show why. In the 2025 season, Kansas City outfielders hit just .225 with 37 home runs and 139 RBIs. The infield told a different story, batting .269 with 107 home runs and 413 RBIs. The gap forced the front office to look for changes.The Royals added Lane Thomas and Isaac Collins in December and expect them to compete for Opening Day roles alongside Kyle Isbel and Jac Caglianone. Depth options like John Rave, Dairon Blanco, Drew Waters, and Kameron Misner remain in the mix. Still, league insiders believe Kansas City could move a starter if the right bat becomes available before the season or during the summer.Also Read: MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees Not Budging On Cody Bellinger Deal As Angels Predict Strong Push For Nolan Arenado