The Dodgers’ most significant in-season swing of 2026 may also turn into one of their biggest offseason questions. Los Angeles landed Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline, got ace-level production right away, and now has to live with the reality that his next stop may be somewhere else.
Skubal came over on an expiring contract, which means there’s no guarantee he returns in 2027. According to the reporting, the Dodgers are expected to be in a race with six teams for his services this offseason, and that next deal could top $400 million.
After last week’s postseason exit, Skubal gave the Dodgers a strong public endorsement, even if he stopped short of saying anything about where he’ll pitch next.
“I mean, incredible organization, incredible teammates, incredible fanbase,” Skubal said. “Honored to wear the LA across your chest and on the hat.
Doesn’t make this feel any better. It sucks, but I think everybody in here gave it everything they had, and sometimes that’s just baseball."
The left-hander delivered exactly what the Dodgers hoped for once he arrived. In 10 regular-season starts after the trade, he posted a 2.61 ERA. He was even sharper in October, working 11 postseason innings over two starts and finishing with a 2.45 ERA, along with 14 strikeouts and four walks.
Another familiar Dodgers face is also staring at free agency. Kiké Hernández, the veteran utility standout and fan favorite, addressed his future after the team’s National League Championship Series elimination and made clear he’d love another run in Los Angeles.
"I would love to have one more try, trying to win another one," Hernández said. "But I don't really know what's going to happen. I hope I'm back, and if I'm not, I hope that I get to play for a winning team."
As for the rest of the Dodgers’ free-agent picture, the team believes one player is simply too important to lose, while another is someone they can let walk, according to Dodgers On SI.
There’s plenty still to sort out, but the two loudest voices from the aftermath of the Dodgers’ season told the story plainly: Skubal appreciated his short time in L.A., and Hernández wants another shot.
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Among them, Sam Horn has made a strong first impression in his professional debut, piling up five strikeouts in four innings, and Brooks Auger has followed with a second start that included three strikeouts over two frames despite allowing two runs. Keith Law of The Athletic offered scouting observations on both pitchers, adding another layer of intrigue to what the Dodgers are learning in the desert as the fall schedule continues. [Read more 🡒]