Dodgers Acquire Tigers Ace Tarik Skubal in Deadline Trade

Detroit Tigers officials called the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night to finalize a deal for left-hander Tarik Skubal. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and Tigers’ president of baseball operations Scott Harris agreed to exchange Skubal for outfielder Zyhir Hope, right-handed pitcher River Ryan and right-handed pitcher Brady Smith. The trade was confirmed just before the Dodgers’ 6:10 p.m. PT first pitch that night. Skubal joined his new teammates in the dugout for the series finale against the Boston Red Sox and is slated to debut against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, taking over the rotation spot of Eric Lauer, who is moving to the bullpen.

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At the time of the trade, the Dodgers were tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the best rotation ERA in the majors, featuring Blake Snell, a soon-to-return Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani despite a lingering knee issue. The acquisition added a “best-in-the-world” pitcher to an already deep staff, intensifying a narrative that the Dodgers’ financial muscle is “ruining baseball.” Rival scouts, executives and fans voiced outrage, questioning why other clubs such as the Rays, Brewers, Cubs, Yankees and Braves did not present more aggressive offers. Sources indicated the Tigers believed the Dodgers could deliver the most value and act decisively at the deadline, whereas the Rays and Brewers were described as reluctant to make a “rental” move.

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• Career (2024-2025): 31-10 record, 2.30 ERA, 469 strikeouts in 387 1/3 innings, 12.6 WAR (FanGraphs).

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• 2024 season (through 16 starts): 2.79 ERA, 116 strikeouts, 14 walks in 96 2/3 innings; July ERA 2.03 after returning from a NanoScope elbow procedure.

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• Prospect Hope: In Double-A, slashing .293/.369/.530 with 23 home runs and 18 stolen bases.

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• Trade package: One high-ceiling outfielder (Hope) and two controllable right-handed starters (Ryan, Smith) for a proven ace.

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Andrew Friedman said the Dodgers “passionately disagree” with the criticism that the trade harms the sport, emphasizing that the organization is leveraging a rare opportunity to add a star-level player who can shift championship odds.

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He described the backlash as “blowback” that the organization accepts as part of its role in the league.

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Scott Harris, after being rebuffed on a request for top prospect Josue DePaula, focused on the Tigers’ desire for a package that included a toolsy, 21-year-old left-handed hitter, leading to the final agreement.

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• “It just seems like there's always blowback with us,” — Dave Roberts, friedman and manager

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• “I don't think we went into this thing saying this is an acute need,” — Andrew Friedman

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Skubal’s first start for the Dodgers will be against the Chicago Cubs, where he is expected to occupy the rotation slot vacated by Eric Lauer. The Dodgers retain a deep outfield and a strong young pitching core, positioning the team for a final push toward the postseason.

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