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Dodgers Eye Tarik Skubal: Could a Trade Spark a 2026 Championship Run?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 10:53 GMT by Sporting News

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Could a Tarik Skubal Trade Turn the Dodgers into the 2026 “Unbeatable” Club?

The Los Angeles Dodgers, long celebrated for their talent‑laden rosters and powerful farm system, are now eyeing a potential blockbuster move that could catapult them into the upper echelons of baseball in 2026. Central to the speculation is a trade for Detroit Tigers right‑hander Tarik Skubal, a pitcher who has emerged as one of the most promising young arms in the National League. This article dissects the mechanics of that trade, the underlying motivations for both clubs, and what a Skubal‑filled Dodgers rotation might look like on the road to another World Series.

Tarik Skubal: A Quick Profile

• Age & Background: 24‑year‑old, drafted by the Tigers in the first round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
• 2019–2023: Skubal steadily progressed from Class‑A to the majors, culminating in a 3‑season stretch that highlighted his control, velocity, and an arsenal that now includes a blazing 98‑mph fastball and a sharp slider.
• 2024 Season Snapshot: 12‑6 win‑loss record, a 3.30 ERA, 159 strikeouts over 176 innings, and a WHIP of 1.16. His consistency earned him a 4‑year, $50 million extension in 2023, but the Tigers still hold two years on the contract.
• Why the Dodgers?: Skubal’s ability to dominate hitters and his upside—he’s already been compared to top pitchers like Tyler Glasnow—make him a prime candidate for a team that seeks a new ace.

Why the Dodgers Might Consider a Deal

1. Rotation Depth: The Dodgers have a solid rotation—Walker Buehler, Dustin May, and Chris Sale (although Sale’s future is uncertain). Yet, they lack a top‑tier “ace” that can go the distance in a deep postseason run. Adding Skubal would give them a third option that can carry a heavy workload.

2. Pitching Synergy: Los Angeles has consistently emphasized strong pitching as a foundation for success. Skubal’s style—a mix of velocity and movement—fits the Dodgers’ philosophy and would complement the existing staff’s strengths.

3. Trade‑Market Timing: As the trade deadline approaches, the Dodgers are looking to solidify their lineup for a push. Skubal’s contract is still on the table, and a two‑year window is available before the Tigers’ next salary commitment comes to a head.

4. Potential “Unbeatable” 2026 Scenario: With Skubal, the Dodgers could feature a rotation of Buehler, May, Sale (if retained), and Skubal, a lineup that would be difficult to match. The article argues that such a combination could push the Dodgers into “unbeatable” territory—especially when paired with their existing core of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and emerging talents from the farm.

The Tigers’ Leverage: A High‑Value Prospect

Detroit would likely ask for a top‑level prospect in return. While the Tigers’ current top prospects include a handful of young pitchers and a potential shortstop, the Dodgers have historically provided high‑caliber assets in such deals:

• Possible Prospect: A highly rated pitcher from the Dodgers’ system such as Alex Bregman (if his 2024 performance warranted it) or a promising position player from the Dodgers’ 2024 draft class. The article highlights that the Tigers have a talent pipeline and would be willing to part with a prospect if Skubal’s upside is realized.

• Strategic Fit: Detroit’s desire to rebuild would make them open to trading a top prospect for a proven, but still young, pitcher who can provide immediate impact, as well as a potential trade‑up in the draft.

Financial and Contractual Considerations

The financial landscape for the Dodgers remains a pivotal element. While MLB does not have a salary cap, teams must manage payroll in a way that keeps them competitive and prevents overpaying for talent.

• Skubal’s Current Contract: Two years left on his $50 million deal. The Dodgers would take on that contract but could structure a new deal after a few seasons—potentially freeing up payroll in the long term.

• Dodgers’ Current Payroll: With free‑agent stars like Betts, Freeman, and new acquisitions, the Dodgers have a robust budget. Adding Skubal would require careful allocation but would be within their financial capabilities.

Rumors, Speculation, and Realities

The article references a series of rumors that circulated in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline, including chatter about the Dodgers potentially looking to trade for other pitchers such as Max Scherzer or Jansen DeGrom. However, Skubal’s status as a promising arm, combined with Detroit’s need for an upgrade in their pitching staff, makes him a more tangible target.

One quoted source—a senior executive from the Dodgers—stated: “If we can bring in a pitcher who can stay healthy for the long haul and has the upside we’re used to seeing from this organization, that would be a dream.” This sentiment reflects the Dodgers’ long‑term strategy of assembling a balanced roster that combines veteran leadership with young talent.

Potential 2026 Scenario

In a best‑case scenario, the Dodgers would field a rotation that looks something like this:

Combined with a lineup featuring Betts, Freeman, and a slate of promising hitters, the Dodgers would have a deep, resilient core. The article speculates that, with this setup, the Dodgers would be “unbeatable” in 2026—meaning they could dominate not only the NL but also have a realistic shot at the World Series.

Counter‑Arguments and Risks

Not all are convinced that Skubal will instantly transform the Dodgers into a championship machine:

• Injury Risk: Pitchers always carry a risk of injury, and the Dodgers would be banking on a long‑term contributor.

• Adjustments: Transitioning from Detroit’s pitching philosophy to Los Angeles’ high‑altitude, dry‑air environment could require a learning curve.

• Prospect Retention: Detroit’s desire for high‑grade prospects could make negotiations harder, potentially requiring the Dodgers to part with more talent than anticipated.

The article acknowledges these risks but concludes that the potential upside—coupled with the Dodgers’ proven track record of nurturing pitchers—justifies the trade pursuit.

Final Thoughts

The article ultimately frames the Skubal trade as a strategic, high‑reward gamble for the Dodgers. With a deep roster already in place and a pressing need for a reliable ace, bringing Skubal into the mix could indeed make them “unbeatable” in 2026. Conversely, Detroit would acquire a top‑grade prospect to bolster their rebuilding agenda. As the trade deadline looms, the baseball world will be watching closely to see whether this blockbuster move materializes—or if the Dodgers will continue to rely on their internal development to keep their championship aspirations alive.

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