Tarik Skubal recently provided a subtle reminder to Los Angeles Dodgers fans that his stay might be temporary. Acquired with much anticipation, the talented pitcher remains a potential rental for the powerhouse team.
On the Pardon My Take podcast, the two-time Cy Young winner revealed he’d be open to a reunion with the Tigers this winter.
“I have a lot of love for those guys, so I’m hoping they’ll be involved in November,” Skubal expressed, his words sparking curiosity. “We’ll see what unfolds then,” he added, leaving the future open-ended.
In a strategic move, the Dodgers sent three promising prospects to the Detroit Tigers just before the August 3 trade deadline, securing the veteran left-hander. This transaction positioned them favorably in the race to secure Skubal as a free agent.
Experts anticipate Skubal could command a massive contract surpassing $400 million during free agency—a record-breaking investment for any interested franchise. The Dodgers, already in the spotlight as potential frontrunners, could finalize such a deal, yet Skubal has not ruled out returning to his roots with the team he played over six seasons for.
This offseason promises significant developments in Major League Baseball, particularly as the current collective bargaining agreement is on the brink of expiration on December 1. Intense negotiations are underway between league officials and the Players Association to establish a new agreement extending into 2027 and beyond.
An impending lockout would have several implications on Skubal’s upcoming free agency. It is unclear what route his agent, Scott Boras, will take to get the pitcher a landmark deal.
Earlier this week, Boras told the California Post that the ace’s arrival to LA would be beneficial for both Skubal and the team.
“It’s great for both the Dodgers and for Tarik that they both get to know one another quite well and determine more about what the future may hold for them,” Boras said.
While the Dodgers may have an advantage to land Skubal in free agency because of the trade, it’s clear the 29-year-old still has the Tigers on his mind heading into the offseason.