Los Angeles Dodgers agree trade for Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal
The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed a trade to acquire two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers to bolster their push for a third consecutive World Series title.
The National League West leaders are sending highly rated prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith to Detroit in exchange for the 29-year-old.
He is currently in the final year of his contract and will become a free agent during the upcoming offseason.
The left-hander recently returned from midseason bone chip surgery in record time to anchor the Detroit rotation.
A major coup for the champions
Los Angeles fended off heavy competition from a host of rival franchises, including the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, to secure the sought-after pitcher.
The reigning champions already boast the most formidable pitching staff in the major leagues, having allowed just 411 runs so far this season.
Adding the American League star to a team sitting comfortably with a 69-41 record makes the franchise overwhelming favourites to retain their crown.
The former Tigers ace brings a devastating arsenal to California, headlined by a fastball capable of touching 100mph alongside an elite changeup.
Detroit rebuild continues as playoff hopes fade
The Tigers opted to cash in on their prized asset after surprisingly falling out of the American League postseason race.
Despite leading his former employers to consecutive playoff appearances in 2024 and 2025, the franchise failed to progress past the division series on both occasions.
The two-time All-Star departs Michigan with a career record of 61 wins and 42 losses across 150 major league starts.
He recently surpassed the 1,000-strikeout milestone and currently boasts a 2.79 ERA with 116 strikeouts this season.
The lucrative trade follows a record-breaking salary arbitration victory in February that saw his wages increase to $32m (£25m) for the year.