Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) (Image via Imagn) The Los Angeles Dodgers are weighing another major move as they look ahead to the 2026 season. This time, the focus is on Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal, one of the best pitchers in the American League and a central figure in ongoing trade discussions.Skubal has one year left before free agency, and that timing has drawn interest from teams built to win now. Detroit has not committed to moving him, but rival executives believe the Tigers are listening. For the Dodgers, the idea is simple: strengthen an already strong rotation and protect their championship window.
Winter Meetings Push Talks Forward
Conversations picked up during the 2025 Winter Meetings in Orlando. Detroit Tigers surprised several clubs by engaging in real discussions rather than shutting them down. The Los Angeles Dodgers quickly emerged as a serious suitor, backed by a deep farm system and the ability to absorb long-term costs.Executives around the league have compared the scale of the talks to past franchise-altering deals. While nothing is close to final, the tone has shifted from speculation to real possibility.
A Deal Structure That Fits Both Teams
Tarik Skubal (Image via Getty)
The framework most often discussed sends Tarik Skubal to Los Angele Dodgers in exchange for Emmet Sheehan, Zyhir Hope, and Alex Freeland. The package gives Detroit one pitcher ready to contribute now and two position players with upside and years of control.From the Los Angeles Dodgers’ side, the offer strengthens the rotation without emptying the system entirely. From Detroit’s side, it balances present needs with future planning.
Player Overview
Player2025 levelIP/ABERA/AVGK%BB%HROPS (Hitters)Notes Tarik Skubal MLB (DET) ~180 IP 2.21 31.1% 1.4% 46 ER – Two-time Cy Young, elite command Emmet Sheehan MLB (LAD) 164 BF 3.17 High teens ~9% 17 BB – Mid-rotation upside, contact risk Zyhir Hope MiLB (A/AA) 458 AB .266 – – 13 .804 Speed and power, 27 steals Alex Freeland MiLB/MLB 415/84 AB .263/.190 – – 16/2 .835/.602 Strong defense, developing bat
Why the Los Angeles Dodgers Are Interested
Adding Tarik Skubal would place him at the front of a rotation that already includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani. It gives Los Angeles another reliable starter for October and the option to pursue an extension beyond 2026.
What Detroit Gains and Risks
Detroit would gain immediate rotation help in Sheehan and long-term position depth in Hope and Freeland. The risk is obvious: moving a top-tier pitcher while still aiming to compete. If Skubal leaves anyway in free agency, this may be the Tigers’ best chance to reset value.Also read: MLB trade rumors: New Yorkl Mets could land $10 million Philadelphia Phillies superstar to improve title odds; Brandon Nimmo key trade asset?For now, talks remain open. If a deal happens, it could shape the league well beyond next season.