The Los Angeles Dodgers are not expected to land Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal before the 2026 season, according to a clear verdict from Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci. Verducci stated there is little to no chance of the Dodgers pulling off a blockbuster trade for Skubal this year, highlighting his importance to Detroit and the likely financial hurdle any deal would pose for Los Angeles.
Entering the MLB offseason, rumors linked Skubal to the Dodgers as a potential move for a championship-contending run. Those discussions cooled in recent weeks, with Verducci emphasizing that Skubal’s value to Detroit makes a deal unlikely unless the Tigers shift their outlook.
Spring training commentary further solidified the stance. Verducci noted that Skubal would be difficult for the Tigers to replace and is unlikely to re-sign with Detroit at a price range the organization would find palatable. If a long-term agreement is possible, it would likely exceed the Tigers’ past spending, even surpassing what they’ve invested in star Miguel Cabrera.
Despite the current impasse, Skubal’s future remains a point of interest for the Dodgers. The Tigers are focused on contending in 2026, and moving a pitcher of Skubal’s caliber would significantly impact their chances, making an immediate trade less plausible.
Skubal’s 2025 season underscored his status as one of the game’s top pitchers. In 31 starts, he went 13-6 with a 2.21 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP, and 195.1 innings pitched, signaling why he would be a coveted addition for any contender. While a future opportunity to revisit a potential move remains possible, it won’t materialize in the near term.
