The Los Angeles Dodgers just captured their second straight World Series title, but they’re not done yet. According to Christopher Kline at FanSided, there’s one move that could cement their dynasty status: trading for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
The two-time Cy Young winner presents a fascinating opportunity for both clubs. Detroit faces a tough reality – Skubal’s under contract for just one more season before hitting free agency, where he could command upwards of $500 million.
Why Detroit Should Listen
“Maybe the Detroit Tigers decide to let Skubal finish out his contract and focus all their efforts on winning in 2026, but there’s strong incentive to cash in now,” Kline wrote. “The odds of Skubal, a potential $500 million pitcher, re-signing next winter are practically zero.”
That’s the crux of Detroit’s dilemma. They’re building something special, but Skubal’s timeline doesn’t quite match their competitive window. Trading him now could accelerate their rebuild while maximizing his trade value.
The Dodgers have the prospect depth to make this work. Their system includes MLB-ready arms like Emmet Sheehan and River Ryan, plus promising position players like Alex Freeland, Zhyir Hope, and Daulton Rushing.
“I’m not sure another team can outbid the Dodgers if motivated,” Kline noted.
The Sweetener That Changes Everything
Here’s where it gets interesting. Los Angeles could include Tyler Glasnow in the deal – an established All-Star ace who’d immediately slot into Detroit’s rotation. That would give the Tigers a proven starter while they develop the prospects they’d receive.
It’s a move that makes sense for Skubal personally too. The California native would be coming home, and let’s be honest – he won’t find a better path to multiple championships anywhere else.
What Skubal Brings
This past season, Skubal dominated with a 13-6 record, 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts, and a 0.891 WHIP over 195 innings. His second Cy Young in two years proved he’s not just good – he’s elite.
Now picture this rotation: Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and incoming phenom Roki Sasaki. That’s not just a great rotation – that’s potentially the most dominant staff we’ve seen in decades.
The rest of baseball should probably hope this doesn’t happen. But if you’re a Dodgers fan, you’ve got to be wondering why management isn’t already on the phone with Detroit.
All things considered, this trade makes too much sense for both sides. Detroit gets a haul of talent to build around, while Los Angeles adds the final piece to what could be a truly legendary run.
The question isn’t whether they should make this deal – it’s whether they’re bold enough to pull the trigger.
