Dodgers Acquire Tarik Skubal from Tigers in High-Stakes Trade

On Saturday, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman felt optimistic regarding trade talks with the Detroit Tigers for Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner. Manager Dave Roberts received a promising report before the Dodgers’ game against the Red Sox. “I heard that it was pretty much done,” Roberts said. However, medical evaluations were pending, so the deal wasn’t finalized.

Friedman remained cautious until he received final confirmation from the Tigers. “I had no idea and was trying to emotionally hedge,” he noted. Fortunately, there was no need for stress. On Saturday, the Dodgers agreed to trade three prospects—outfielder Zyhir Hope, right-handed pitcher River Ryan, and right-hander Brady Smith—for Skubal, a leading pitcher in baseball. The trade was officially announced on Sunday.

Before the deal, the Dodgers hinted at a low-key trade deadline. “We try to avoid not having to do something,” Friedman commented last week. Yet rival executives saw the Dodgers acquiring Skubal as likely. While the Dodgers didn’t need Skubal, they aimed to get him.

“Friday it started picking up,” Friedman mentioned. By Saturday, discussions intensified. Timing and return of the trade surprised many, especially since it didn’t affect the Dodgers’ major-league squad. Ryan had four major-league starts in 2024 but health issues delayed further appearances.

“We felt good going through it,” Friedman explained. “We gave up a lot of talent, but with our current core, this aggressive approach made sense.” Skubal strengthens a rotation including Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani. Catcher Dalton Rushing expressed his excitement, and Miguel Rojas, a veteran utility player, viewed the move as a strong organizational statement.

Health concerns linger. Skubal and Snell had surgeries to remove loose bodies from their elbows. Skubal has pitched nine times since, while Snell is close to coming back from the injured list. Glasnow, nearing a rehab assignment, has dealt with back spasms. Ohtani’s knee issue is the biggest concern. He might start playing catch soon.

Friedman expressed confidence in Ohtani’s return. “If you said, ‘Hey, place a bet on it,’ I’d be confident he’d be back pitching.” Ohtani will resume pitching without a rehab assignment, similar to last year. His preparation will depend on his return to the mound.

In the meantime, Skubal will join the rotation, debuting Tuesday against the Cubs in Chicago. The Dodgers might still pursue additional moves. As of Sunday, they were involved in several discussions. Adding to the roster, however, seemed “less likely,” Friedman mentioned.

“Never say never,” Friedman added, but the Dodgers have no urgent needs threatening the team’s stability.