Dodgers Target Tigers' Skubal in Potential Blockbuster Trade

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 6:31 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: California, Michigan, UNITED STATES

Dodgers Eye Tarik Skubal: A Deep Dive into Potential Trade and the Cost of Contention

The Los Angeles Dodgers, consistently a force in Major League Baseball, are reportedly setting their sights on Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal. While the Dodgers have proven adept at assembling competitive rosters, acquiring Skubal presents a significant challenge, demanding a hefty price in prospect capital. The news, first reported by MLB.com's Jon Morosi, signals a potential shift in the Dodgers' strategy as they navigate a landscape where pitching depth is paramount.

Skubal's emergence as a legitimate ace elevates him beyond a typical mid-season acquisition. Finishing fourth in the American League with a 3.58 ERA in 2023, he isn't simply a promising arm; he's a proven performer under control for three more seasons - a rare and valuable commodity in today's market. This extended team control is a key driver of his price, making him far more attractive than a rental player available via free agency.

The Dodgers, despite their consistent success, find themselves in a slightly different position regarding their farm system. Years of aggressive trading to secure established MLB talent have thinned the ranks of their once-renowned prospect pool. While the system hasn't completely dried up, it requires careful navigation. Trading for Skubal isn't about parting with a single top-tier prospect; it necessitates a "substantial amount," according to an insider speaking with Morosi - a phrase heavily implying multiple high-value players will need to be included in any offer.

This begs the question: what constitutes a "substantial" package? The Tigers, undergoing their own rebuilding phase, aren't compelled to move a cornerstone pitcher unless the return is truly exceptional. They're likely targeting players who are both MLB-ready and possess long-term potential. Potential Dodger prospects who could pique Detroit's interest include outfielders like James Outman (who has already shown flashes of brilliance at the Major League level), or potentially pitching prospects like River Oliver and possibly even a repeat of the strategy used to acquire Max Scherzer, targeting a top-tier pitching prospect. A combination of established major league talent and upper-level prospects is the most likely scenario.

Furthermore, the current pitching market amplifies Skubal's value. With several teams seeking starting pitching upgrades, the Dodgers face competition. The New York Yankees, the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros have all been linked to pursuing starting pitchers. A bidding war could further inflate the price, forcing the Dodgers to decide how far they're willing to go. The escalating cost of pitching, coupled with the Dodgers' desire to remain competitive in a fiercely competitive National League, creates a delicate balancing act.

The Dodgers' decision-making process will likely hinge on a comprehensive assessment of their current rotation. While the team boasts some solid starters, adding a pitcher of Skubal's caliber would immediately elevate the ceiling of the team. A rotation of Skubal alongside established arms like Tyler Glasnow and Bobby Miller would be a formidable force. However, at what cost? Are they willing to sacrifice future flexibility by depleting their farm system for immediate gains?

Ultimately, the pursuit of Tarik Skubal is more than just a transaction; it's a statement about the Dodgers' commitment to winning now. It's a calculated risk, acknowledging the shortened window of contention and the necessity of leveraging future assets to maximize present success. If they do pull the trigger, expect a trade that will be talked about for years to come, a testament to the increasing price of elite starting pitching in modern baseball and the Dodgers' unwavering ambition.