Los Angeles Dodgers Acquire Pitcher Tarik Skubal from Detroit Tigers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers during the trade deadline. Skubal received the news amidst the Tigers’ 8-6 victory over the Athletics, feeling a mix of emotions as he prepared to leave behind the team that drafted him in 2018. “I’m excited to be a Dodger,” he expressed, gearing up to join a team aiming for a third consecutive World Series championship.
Skubal joins a roster already boasting stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Mookie Betts. If health permits, Skubal could be part of a formidable rotation alongside MVP Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. Leading the majors with a 3.36 ERA from their starting pitchers, the Dodgers secured first place in the NL West and were already favored to achieve a historic third consecutive title. Their season began with a substantial $323.3 million payroll for a 40-man roster and a $163.7 million tax, totaling $487.1 million. They will pay Skubal $9.5 million for the rest of the season.
ESPN reported that the Tigers will acquire minor league prospects, including right-handers River Ryan and Brady Smith and outfielder Zyhir Hope. Skubal, eligible for free agency after the World Series, is expected to attract a significant contract in the offseason. Despite his desire to finish the season with the Tigers and pursue a World Series title since 1984, Skubal will now continue his career with the Dodgers.
Reflecting on his time with Detroit, Skubal admitted the departure was “very tough” after years of striving for a championship. Recalling his loss in Game 5 of the division series in 2024 against Cleveland, he used that experience to fuel his ambition. “Ever since ’24, I used that failure to motivate me,” he said, emphasizing his deep connection to the Tigers and his teammates.
Despite signing two-time All-Star Framber Valdez and retaining infielder Gleyber Torres, the Tigers struggled early in the season. However, they rallied in June and much of July, led by Skubal and three All-Stars—rookie Kevin McGonigle, catcher Dillon Dingler, and outfielder Riley Greene. Unfortunately, the team stumbled in late July, weakening its playoff positioning. In a game marked by his 1,000th career strikeout, Skubal started with a 7-0 lead against Baltimore, but the Tigers lost 10-9 in 12 innings.
Manager A.J. Hinch commended Skubal saying, “He’s carried us a lot. His presence, work ethic, and dominance were invaluable.” Skubal’s record includes a 7-5 season with a 2.79 ERA and 116 strikeouts, and over seven seasons, his tally stands at 61-42 with a 3.04 ERA. In postseason appearances, he achieved a 2-1 record with a 2.04 ERA in six starts.
Skubal returned to pitching in June following minimally invasive surgery on his pitching elbow in May. He reported the surgery went as planned and allowed him to get back on track for the season.
AP Sports Writer Larry Lage contributed to this report.
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