Dodgers Linked to Tarik Skubal Amid Trade Speculation, but Deal Remains Unlikely

The Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as a potential suitor for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, sparking trade speculation since the start of the offseason. Yet, as of now, no deal appears imminent, with Detroit signaling a reluctance to part with their two-time American League Cy Young Award winner.

Skubal, who remains under team control through 2026, has been dominant in recent seasons, including a standout 2025 campaign with a 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts, and a league-leading 0.89 WHIP. His improved changeup and rising fastball velocity have cemented his status as one of MLB’s premier pitchers.

Despite Detroit’s firm stance, trade rumors persist, fueled largely by uncertainty surrounding Skubal’s contract. With his agent Scott Boras expected to pursue a record-breaking deal surpassing Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s $325 million contract, the Tigers face a challenging balancing act between retaining their ace and managing financial flexibility.

The Dodgers, with a deep farm system and proven front-office resources, remain well-positioned to make a bold proposal, though whether Detroit would entertain such an offer is still highly speculative.

1. Skubal’s Dominance and Contract Questions

Tarik Skubal’s performance has made him one of the most coveted pitchers in the league. Back-to-back Cy Young awards highlight his consistency, durability, and impact on the mound. His 2025 season showcased his ability to dominate, with elite strikeout numbers and a highly effective changeup. Yet the looming contract uncertainty continues to generate discussion about his future. Detroit has two years of team control remaining, but extension talks have yet to yield a resolution. Boras’ anticipated pursuit of a record-setting contract adds pressure to both sides. Detroit’s reluctance to trade Skubal reflects their belief in his ability to anchor a rotation for the foreseeable future. Retaining him aligns with the team’s goal of sustained playoff contention in the near term. Still, the unresolved contract situation creates a rare tension point in MLB, where elite talent under team control often sparks speculation—even if a trade is unlikely.

2. Dodgers’ Hypothetical “Godfather” Offer

If the Dodgers were to make a serious run at Skubal, reports suggest a blockbuster proposal could include top prospects and MLB-ready talent. Potential centerpiece Dalton Rushing, a premier catching prospect, would address Detroit’s key positional need. Supporting pieces could include right-handed pitchers Gavin Stone and River Ryan, infielder Joendry Vargas, and outfielder Jose Ramos. Stone and Ryan offer controllable starting pitching depth, Vargas adds infield upside, and Ramos provides near-MLB-ready power potential. Such a package would represent a rare alignment of talent, timing, and organizational need, forcing Detroit to weigh long-term benefit against short-term playoff aspirations. The scale of the offer underscores how much elite pitchers like Skubal can reshape offseason dynamics. For the Dodgers, acquiring Skubal alongside Yamamoto would create one of the most formidable 1–2 rotation punches in baseball, reinforcing their strategy of pairing elite talent with established stars.

3. Detroit’s Dilemma and Strategic Considerations

The Tigers face a delicate decision balancing immediate competitiveness against long-term stability. Back-to-back postseason appearances, including a 2025 ALDS run, signal progress, but losing Skubal prematurely could hinder future growth. Detroit’s recent success makes keeping Skubal attractive, but the club must consider the possibility of losing him for nothing in 2026 if an extension remains elusive. The trade conversation highlights the tension between maximizing present value and securing future control. Even as a hypothetical scenario, the Skubal-to-Dodgers storyline illustrates the strategic calculations elite franchises must navigate. The combination of contract leverage, player value, and organizational timing shapes both Detroit’s and Los Angeles’ approaches. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes how rare and valuable a pitcher of Skubal’s caliber is in modern MLB, and why his future—whether in Detroit or elsewhere—remains a topic of high interest.