Clayton Kershaw Mentors Tarik Skubal Ahead of Dodgers Trade

Clayton Kershaw, the three-time Cy Young Award winner and future Hall of Famer, met with Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal while both represented Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The conversation occurred shortly before the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Skubal at the season’s trade deadline. Kershaw said the meeting gave him insight into Skubal’s ambition to become “great,” and Skubal asked Kershaw directly about the habits that made him a dominant left-hander.

Newsweek

Skubal’s stint with Team USA was brief; he returned to the Tigers after a single start before the trade. The Dodgers’ acquisition positioned Skubal as the franchise’s newest ace, but his contract will expire at season’s end, and he has already indicated a desire to re-sign with Detroit.

Newsweek

Kershaw described Skubal’s drive as evident in his demeanor and preparation, noting that the younger pitcher “wants to be great.” He added that Skubal’s questions focused on the processes that contributed to Kershaw’s success. Skubal, for his part, expressed admiration for Kershaw’s career and sought advice on how to emulate his achievements.

Newsweek

• “I think that comes out in how he talks and how he prepares,” — Clayton Kershaw

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• “You can tell he wants to be the best.” — Tarik Skubal

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• “He’s the best left-hander ever, right?” — Tarik Skubal

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Skubal will become a free agent after the season concludes. While he will pitch for the Dodgers this year, he has publicly stated an intention to return to the Tigers, leaving his long-term future in MLB uncertain.

Newsweek