New Phillies Rumors on Tarik Skubal Stance Emerge After Dodgers-Tigers Land Blockbuster Deal

In the aftermath of the Detroit Tigers trading starting pitcher Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, word has emerged regarding the Philadelphia Phillies' standing in the sweepstakes for the reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner.

In essence, the Phillies were never serious contenders. They also may have "never made a formal offer," per Fabian Ardaya and Katie Woo of The Athletic.

"The Philadelphia Phillies were always considered long shots to land Skubal, though veteran executive Dave Dombrowski loves to hunt stars. He has a good preexisting relationship with [Detroit Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris]; they have come together on several trades in the last four years. And the two men will often talk baseball, even if it's not trade-related.

"The Phillies and Tigers, according to league sources, discussed Skubal in broad strokes. But it is possible the Phillies never made a formal offer.

"[Outfield prospect Zyhir Hope], according to several rival evaluators, would have rated as the best or second-best prospect in the Phillies' system. The Phillies have been willing to discuss many of their top prospects in trade talks, but not in exchange for a rental player."

The Phillies already have a trio of great starting pitchers right now in Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo. Adding Skubal would have rounded out a phenomenal hypothetical four-man playoff rotation.

Philadelphia never really seemed to be in the mix, however.

The Phillies and the rest of the National League now have to deal with Skubal pitching for the back-to-back World Series champion Dodgers, who currently hold MLB's second-best record at 69-43.

The 59-53 Phillies, who are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second National League Wild Card spot, have made two trades to bolster their roster for the final push of the regular season.

Philadelphia added second baseman and MLB batting leader Luis Arráez and right-handed reliever Caleb Kilian from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for a pair of right-handed prospects: Ramon Marquez (No. 4 prospect in the Phillies' farm system) and reliever Marty Gair.

The Phillies also acquired left-handed reliever Brooks Raley in exchange for outfield prospect John Spikerman (the Phillies' No. 27 prospect) and right-handed minor league reliever prospect Luke Gabrysh.

The Phillies begin their post-trade deadline stretch tonight when they host the Washington Nationals at 6:40 p.m. ET.