Detroit Tigers supporters have been hearing and reading trade speculation surrounding ace Tarik Skubal for months. So far, nothing has materialized, and there has been little to suggest the team is actively planning a move.
That changed today when fans were greeted by a “bold” forecast from ESPN MLB insider Jesse Rogers. Rogers predicts the Los Angeles Dodgers could pursue Skubal at the July 2026 trade deadline.
If that scenario were to play out, it would carry significant consequences for Detroit’s playoff chances, roster makeup, and long-term organizational direction.
Now a two-time American League Cy Young Award recipient, Skubal is widely considered one of the top pitchers in the sport and has firmly cemented his place among baseball’s elite.
In 2025, the left-hander delivered a dominant season, finishing with a 2.21 ERA while leading the league in strikeouts and several key pitching categories. He posted a stellar 0.89 WHIP across 195.1 innings, going 13–6 with 241 strikeouts. For his career, Skubal owns a 54–37 record, a 3.08 ERA, 766.2 innings pitched, and 889 strikeouts.
From Detroit’s standpoint, Los Angeles emerges as a logical potential trade partner. The Dodgers are pursuing a third straight championship and have consistently demonstrated both the financial flexibility and prospect depth to support a major move. If a blockbuster opportunity arises at the deadline, they are unlikely to hesitate.
Rogers further detailed why Skubal could realistically end up on the Dodgers’ radar.
He noted that Los Angeles is one of the few teams capable of acquiring Skubal even as a short-term rental if it helps secure a third consecutive championship. Most other organizations would likely need to lock him into a long-term extension to justify surrendering the significant prospect haul required for a back-to-back Cy Young winner.
A deadline deal would also align with the Dodgers’ usual approach. They tend to remain patient, monitor the health of their rotation, and strike decisively when the cost aligns with their urgency to win.
If Skubal is still with Detroit in July and the Tigers find themselves out of the playoff picture, Los Angeles would be well positioned to offer a substantial package of prospects and possibly young major-league talent in return.
There are strong arguments for the Tigers to resist a midseason trade. Skubal remains under team control through 2026, allowing Detroit to keep him for a full season and potentially make a serious postseason push behind their ace
With the AL Central expected to be competitive, the Tigers may feel little pressure to move him, even though the potential return could be enormous. Retaining Skubal through the summer would also maintain goodwill with the fanbase and avoid the negative perception of dealing away a franchise star during the season.
Trade rumors and predictions can be exhausting, but the conversation surrounding Skubal continues to be central to Detroit’s future. His performances play a major role in shaping the team’s direction, and how the Tigers position themselves in the standings will heavily influence their deadline strategy.
In a league where elite pitching is at a premium, Skubal has repeatedly proven to be Detroit’s most valuable asset. While nothing is certain, the idea of him landing in Los Angeles cannot be dismissed entirely.
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