The Los Angeles Dodgers have the prospect depth to make a serious pursuit of Tarik Skubal possible if the Detroit Tigers decide to trade their ace. An ESPN proposal identified a three-player package that could give Detroit a starting point, though the Tigers could seek a larger return.
Adding Skubal would place one of baseball’s top left-handers alongside Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blake Snell in the Dodgers’ rotation. It also would remove the possibility of facing Skubal in a high-stakes postseason game.
A Proposed Dodgers Package
ESPN’s proposed deal would send right-handed pitcher Emmet Sheehan, outfielder Zyhir Hope and shortstop Aidan West to Detroit for Skubal. Jeff Passan wrote that the Dodgers have the type of farm system “Detroit would love to raid.”
| Dodgers player | Position | Reported profile |
|---|---|---|
| Emmet Sheehan | Right-handed pitcher | High-upside arm with an explosive fastball |
| Zyhir Hope | Outfielder | One of the top prospects in the Dodgers system |
| Aidan West | Shortstop | Has shown promise in the minor leagues |
Detroit could try to expand the asking price beyond that proposed package. Outfielders Josue De Paula and Eduardo Quintero, plus pitchers River Ryan, Jackson Ferris and Christian Zazueta, were listed among other Dodgers prospects who could be considered.
Why Skubal Would Cost So Much
Skubal has been among the league’s most accomplished starters over the previous two seasons. He won at least 13 games in each year, made 31 starts in both seasons, earned All-Star recognition and won the American League Cy Young Award twice.
This season, Skubal returned after missing more than a month following surgery to remove a loose body from his left elbow. In 13 starts, he has a 5-5 record, a 3.09 ERA, 75⅔ innings, 89 strikeouts and only 11 walks.
| 2026 Skubal stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| Starts | 13 |
| Record | 5-5 |
| ERA | 3.09 |
| Strikeouts | 89 |
Passan described the chance to add Skubal while preventing a potential October matchup as “tantalizing.” For the Dodgers, the appeal is both the immediate rotation upgrade and the opportunity to keep an elite arm away from another contender.
Detroit’s Decision Is Not Straightforward
The Tigers have improved their position after a slow start, going 23-14 since the beginning of June. That run moved Detroit back into the American League wild-card race and within reach of the AL Central lead.
That context could encourage the Tigers to keep Skubal through the season rather than sell. If the club does move him, it would likely prioritize more high-end depth for a farm system MLB.com recently ranked No. 5, according to USA Today.
Detroit’s system has already included Kevin McGonigle, its preseason No. 2 prospect who is now a 21-year-old All-Star, and outfielder Max Clark, ranked No. 10. A return built around a highly regarded potential starting pitcher could be particularly valuable for the organization.
Skubal’s Next Start
Skubal is scheduled to pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in Southern California on Saturday, July 18. His outing comes as the Tigers weigh their direction ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline at 6 p.m. ET.
