The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired two-time defending AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for minor-league prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, and Brady Smith, according to sources cited by Jeff Passan of ESPN. The blockbuster trade ahead of the deadline positions the defending World Series champions to fortify their rotation as they pursue a three-peat.
Tarik Skubal Trade Details and 2025 Stats
Skubal arrived in Los Angeles holding a 2.79 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 116 strikeouts across 96 2/3 innings this season. According to ESPN reporting, the left-hander missed six weeks earlier in the year following surgery to remove loose bodies in his elbow. Since returning from the injured list, he has made nine starts and posted a 2.87 ERA with 71 strikeouts.
While Skubal stated he wanted to remain in Detroit for the season, the Tigers front office elected to trade the 29-year-old before he reaches free agency this winter. Industry projections cited by ESPN indicate Skubal is expected to command the largest contract for a pitcher in Major League Baseball history on the open market.
Dodgers Rotation Outlook with Skubal, Ohtani, and Snell
The addition of Skubal creates a formidable starting rotation in Los Angeles. Once fully healthy, the Dodgers staff features Skubal alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow, according to team tracking. Ohtani has not pitched for a month due to a knee issue, Snell is nearing a return, and Glasnow is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment.
Skubal could make his Dodgers debut as early as Tuesday on five days of rest or Wednesday on six days of rest, with both potential matchups slated against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, per ESPN. Los Angeles is also scheduled to visit Detroit for a three-game series at the end of August.
Prospects Heading to the Detroit Tigers
In exchange for Skubal, the Tigers acquired three high-ranking prospects from the Dodgers system, according to MLB Pipeline data. Zyhir Hope, a 21-year-old outfielder ranked as the No. 5 prospect in L.A.’s system and 25th overall in baseball, was pulled from his Double-A Tulsa lineup ahead of the trade. Hope has recorded 23 home runs, 87 RBIs, 18 stolen bases, and an .899 OPS across 94 minor-league games this season.
River Ryan, a 27-year-old right-hander, joins Detroit as the organization’s seventh-ranked prospect and 68th overall. Ryan is currently pitching at Triple-A after missing the entirety of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Brady Smith, a 21-year-old right-hander who ranked 17th in the Dodgers system, rounds out the package after posting a 4.36 ERA with 13.7 strikeouts per nine innings over 74.1 innings in Single-A.
Did you know? Tarik Skubal is the reigning back-to-back American League Cy Young winner and entered the deadline as the top available starting pitcher on the market, according to ESPN sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Dodgers give up to acquire Tarik Skubal?
The Dodgers traded outfielder Zyhir Hope and right-handed pitchers River Ryan and Brady Smith to the Detroit Tigers, according to ESPN.
When could Tarik Skubal make his debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers?
Skubal is projected to make his team debut on either Tuesday or Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, depending on whether the team uses him on five or six days of rest, per ESPN.
What are Tarik Skubal’s statistics for the season?
According to ESPN reports, Skubal owns a 2.79 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 116 strikeouts across 96 2/3 innings.
Join the Conversation
Do you think the addition of Tarik Skubal guarantees a three-peat for the Dodgers? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for daily MLB trade deadline updates.