The Los Angeles Dodgers have already made waves this offseason-again. And just when you think they’re done, there’s chatter they might not be. After adding two of the top free agents in Edwin Díaz and Kyle Tucker to an already loaded roster, the Dodgers are reportedly eyeing yet another blockbuster move: a potential trade for two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers.
Let’s break it down.
The Proposed Deal
Here’s the trade scenario that’s generating buzz:
Dodgers receive:
- LHP Tarik Skubal
Tigers receive:
- RHP Roki Sasaki
- OF Zyhir Hope (MLB No. 27 prospect)
- LHP Jackson Ferris
It’s a hefty price tag, no doubt. But it’s the kind of deal that makes sense for a team like L.A.-a franchise that isn’t just trying to win, but trying to dominate.
Why Skubal?
Skubal isn’t just a good pitcher-he’s one of the best in the game right now. Coming off his second consecutive Cy Young season, the left-hander was lights out in 2025: a 13-6 record, a 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts, and a WHIP under 0.90 across 195 innings. That’s elite production, the kind that changes postseason series and locks down October.
Put him in a rotation that already includes another two-time Cy Young winner, a recent runner-up, and two All-Stars, and you’ve got something that looks more like a Marvel villain squad than a group of starting pitchers. It’s not just depth-it’s dominance.
The Dodgers' Mindset
Here’s what makes the Dodgers different. They don’t need to make this trade.
Their rotation is already stacked. Their lineup is already dangerous.
But that’s not stopping them. This is a team that’s operating with a “why not?”
mentality, and with back-to-back World Series titles in their rearview mirror, they’ve earned the right to think big.
They’ve got the farm system, the financial flexibility, and the front office creativity to make this kind of deal happen. Whether it’s leveraging deferred contracts or front-loading a short-term, high-AAV deal, the Dodgers have shown time and again they’re willing to think outside the box to land elite talent.
What It Means for Detroit
For the Tigers, this trade would be about the future. Roki Sasaki is one of the most electric young arms in the world, and Zyhir Hope, the No. 27 prospect in baseball, brings top-tier upside in the outfield. Add in lefty Jackson Ferris, and Detroit would be getting a haul of high-ceiling talent in return for their ace.
It’s not an easy call-moving a pitcher like Skubal never is-but for a team still building toward long-term contention, it could be a franchise-shaping decision.
What’s Next?
Whether this trade actually happens or not, the fact that it’s even being discussed tells you everything you need to know about where the Dodgers are right now. They’re not just trying to win-they’re trying to tilt the playing field.
For Dodgers fans, the idea of adding Skubal to this already loaded roster is the stuff of dreams. For everyone else?
Well, it might be time to start hoping your team’s front office has a counterpunch ready-because if this move goes through, the Dodgers won’t just be the favorites. They’ll be the juggernaut everyone else is chasing.