Is this really going to happen? Is Tarik Skubal going to be traded for Roki Sasaki? Are the Los Angeles Dodgers actually going to add one of the top two pitchers in baseball? And at the same point, does that mean the Detroit Tigers are going to trade their ace? Let’s not forget that Skubal has won back-to-back Cy Young awards and that the Tigers have been in the playoffs both of the seasons. It would be a shocking move to see them trade their ace.

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The Tigers did just sign Framber Valdez to a three-year contract. These rumors were already swirling prior to Detroit signing Valdez, but I would think it should be to pair him with Skubal. If you have arguably the best pitcher in the game and are looking to contend in the AL Central, there’s no need to trade him.

Dodgers perspective:

Jul 11, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws a pitch against the Seattle Mariners in the fifth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

From the perspective of the Dodgers, yes, they can just wait until next season and sign Skubal when he hits the free agent market. Money isn’t an object, but there is an impending labor crisis. That means a salary cap is coming, and it could cripple Los Angeles. The by-product of that may mean that they wouldn’t be able to fit Skubal on their 2027 team. That would make the other 29 teams and most fans very happy.

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That means players like Sasaki and outfield prospect Zyhir Hope hold even more value as they are cost-effective. But if the Dodgers don’t believe in Sasaki, and they can replace Hope through their system, then why not make the move? Trading for Skubal essentially hands them the World Series trophy.

The Dodgers have more than their share of starting pitching depth, but there are health and workload concerns across the board. There is strength in numbers, but adding Skubal essentially acts as a cheat code.

Skubal contract situation:

Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; American League pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) of the Detroit Tigers pitches during the first inning during the 2025 MLB All Star Game at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

There has been much made about the low-ball arbitration Detroit made to Skubal. Offering him $19 million dollars looks even crazier after they gave Valdez $115 million over three years. Trading Skubal, when they know they won’t be able to re-sign him this winter, allows Detroit to add legitimate pieces in Sasaki, Hope, and others. And signing Valdez means they still have an ace.

As crazy as this trade idea sounds, there’s value to it on both sides. Los Angeles could be taking the approach of getting one more championship before the financial playing field is leveled. 

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