WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – In a significant move during the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers have secured the services of two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, Tarik Skubal, from the Detroit Tigers. This acquisition is seen as a major boost for a team already poised for postseason contention.
Skubal received the news of his trade during the Tigers’ 8-6 victory over the Athletics. After the game, he expressed a mix of emotions, reflecting on his journey with the Tigers, the team that drafted him in 2018 and helped him evolve into a star pitcher. As he prepares to join the Dodgers, Skubal’s excitement is palpable.
“I’m excited to be a Dodger,” Skubal stated. “I’m excited to get down there and meet all those guys and chase three championships in a row. That’s hard to do, so I’m so excited to be part of that. But it’s a lot of different emotions. Definitely kind of a roller coaster a little bit.”
This trade adds to an already star-studded Dodgers roster that includes elite players like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Mookie Betts. When healthy, Skubal could be part of a formidable pitching rotation alongside Ohtani, fellow Cy Young winners Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, and reigning World Series MVP Yamamoto. The Dodgers currently lead Major League Baseball with a 3.36 ERA from their starting pitchers, and Skubal’s addition enhances their chances of securing a third consecutive championship.
In terms of financial commitments, the Dodgers have a staggering $487.1 million total payroll, with Skubal set to earn approximately $9.5 million for the remainder of the season. ESPN reported that the Tigers will receive three minor league prospects—right-handers River Ryan and Brady Smith, along with outfielder Zyhir Hope—in return for Skubal.
Looking ahead, Skubal is set to enter free agency after the World Series. His current salary of $32 million reflects a record total in arbitration negotiations, which highlights his value as a player. The expectation is that he will sign a substantial contract in the offseason.
Despite expressing a desire to finish the season with the Tigers and contend for a World Series title—something Detroit has not achieved since 1984—Skubal understands the realities of the game. “It’s very tough to leave the Tigers,” he noted, sharing his motivation to bring success to a franchise that has supported him throughout his career.
Detroit has made efforts to bolster its roster this season, signing notable players such as two-time All-Star Framber Valdez and retaining Gleyber Torres. However, a challenging start to the season has left them 2.5 games out of the last wild-card spot in the American League. Skubal reflected on the ups and downs of the season, stating, “Going into the season, this isn’t what I planned on doing. But circumstances change, situations change, and I’m very appreciative of everything the Tigers have done for me.”
As the Tigers aim to improve their standing, Skubal has been a key contributor, with a season record of 7-5 and a 2.79 ERA, alongside 116 strikeouts in 96.2 innings pitched. Over his career, he has maintained a 3.04 ERA across seven seasons, demonstrating his consistency and effectiveness on the mound.
Following a minor elbow surgery in May, Skubal made a successful return to the mound, further solidifying his role as a central figure in the Tigers’ rotation. Manager A.J. Hinch praised Skubal’s contributions, saying, “I’ll forever be grateful that our paths crossed and the things that he did for this organization.”
As this chapter closes for both Skubal and the Tigers, the baseball community will be watching closely to see how his transition to the Dodgers unfolds and how it impacts the remainder of the season for both teams.
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AP Sports Writer Larry Lage in Detroit contributed to this report.
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