But ironically enough, the Skubal trade has offered a perfect object lesson in why a cap won't actually solve the problems fans in smaller markets are (understandably) complaining about. The Dodgers have advantages that go well beyond a salary capLos Angeles Dodgers v Chicago Cubs | Michael Reaves/GettyImagesAfter all, Skubal is set to become a free agent this winter. And they became that machine by spending a whole lot of money — money that doesn't have to answer to any sort of salary cap. That gap isn't going anywhere; it's not like Bob Nutting will pour millions more into facilities and academies overseas in a salary cap world. A salary cap won't have anything to do with small-market clubs like the Pirates and Marlins investing more in development and becoming enticing free-agent destinations.