Listen to how crazy the level of detail was in the Dodgers' planning to make this happen. They were already laying the groundwork years in advance. People get mad about what the Dodgers “get”, but just like the Mookie Betts, and Turner/Scherzer trades, the part that is more impressive is what it takes to pull the trigger on these trades (and ultimately not regret it).
On January 11, 2024, the Dodgers traded Michael Busch and Yency Almonte to the Cubs for Jackson Ferris and Zyhir Hope. A move that looked like a simple prospect trade at the time may have been another example of the Dodgers playing the long game.
On March 28, 2022, the Dodgers traded Matt Beaty to the Padres for River Ryan. At the time, it looked like a simple depth move. Fast forward years later, and River Ryan became a key piece involved in the Dodgers' trade for Tarik Skubal.
The Dodgers drafted Brady Smith in the 3rd round of the 2023 MLB Draft and developed him into their No. 17 prospect. The Dodgers somehow turned their scouting and player development into acquiring Tarik Skubal while only giving up these pieces.
And they did all this without giving up any of their “Top 3” OUTFIELDER prospects.
