Dodgers Get New Word on Tarik Skubal Amid Tigers Trade Rumors
Trade speculation around Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal continues to grow and the Los Angeles Dodgers remain one of the most talked-about potential suitors. As the offseason unfolds, recent developments reveal both sides are weighing their options carefully amid contract standoffs and roster planning.
Skubal’s Contract Situation Fuels Buzz
Skubal and the Tigers failed to reach a contract agreement before the arbitration deadline, with the left-hander seeking a record $32 million and Detroit countering at $19 million. That wide gap sets the stage for an arbitration hearing and further complicates discussions about his future.
Because Skubal has just one year of team control remaining before free agency, his looming salary and short-term control are major factors in whether Detroit keeps him or considers trading him for value now rather than risking losing him next offseason.
Dodgers in the Mix, but Price Is High
The Dodgers have been linked to Skubal throughout the winter, with reports indicating serious conversations between Los Angeles and Detroit about a potential deal. One source at the Winter Meetings said the Tigers were “intrigued” by a Dodgers package of prospects, opening the door for real negotiations.
Despite interest, the asking price for Skubal appears steep, and some reports suggest Los Angeles may have cast a slightly wider net looking at other arms like Freddy Peralta as alternatives even as talk of a Skubal trade lingers.
Pitching Talk Inside the Dodgers Clubhouse
Inside Dodger circles, players have responded to the chatter. Star pitcher Tyler Glasnow has publicly endorsed the idea of adding Skubal, calling him “one of the most unbelievable pitchers I’ve ever seen” and a perfect rotation fit alongside Los Angeles’ existing arms.
That kind of endorsement, especially from someone in the rotation fuels speculation that the Dodgers would love to bring Skubal in if the price and contract situation can be worked out.
Tigers’ Strategic Crossroads
For Detroit, the decision isn’t straightforward. On one hand, Skubal is one of the best pitchers in baseball and a two-time Cy Young contender. Teams value such talent highly, especially with his elite strikeout and run-prevention numbers over the past two seasons.
On the other hand, holding onto him without a long-term extension, especially at a big arbitration salary could leave the Tigers without leverage and less-than-optimal compensation later. Some analysts argue Detroit might ultimately wait and trade him at the deadline or let him leave in free agency while gaining draft compensation instead.
What’s Next?
As the arbitration hearing date approaches and teams continue to shape their rosters for 2026, all eyes will remain on Skubal, the Tigers’ front office, and what packages contenders like the Dodgers are willing to put on the table. For Dodgers fans craving another dominant arm and for Tigers supporters hoping to retain an ace, the offseason’s biggest pitching storyline is far from over.
Source: Heavy Sports
image credit wikimedia commons
