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The Detroit Tigers parted ways with ace Tarik Skubal on Saturday night, sending the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for three minor league prospects. The deal, which included right-handers River Ryan and Brady Smith plus outfielder Zyhir Hope, marks a significant reshuffling for a team fighting to reach the postseason in the final weeks of the regular season.
Skubal, a ninth-round draft pick in 2018, developed into one of baseball’s elite pitchers after claiming Cy Young honors in 2024 and 2025. The 7-5 right-hander carries a 2.79 ERA this season with 116 strikeouts across 96 2/3 innings, but will become a free agent after the year, prompting Detroit’s front office to pursue a trade rather than risk losing him without compensation.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged the emotional weight of the departure while emphasizing the need to move forward immediately. “We have a ton of respect for what he brought every day, his preparation, his attitude, his desire to win,” Hinch said before Sunday’s series finale against Oakland. “The day-to-day impact does leave with him, and we’re going to have to find a way to overcome it.”
News of the trade filtered through the stadium during Detroit’s 8-6 victory over the Athletics on Saturday, with many players learning of the deal from fans rather than team officials. First baseman Spencer Torkelson credited the roster for maintaining focus despite the distraction. “We kept the main thing the main thing,” he said. “As a team we still believe in ourselves and we know that we’re definitely not out of it.”
The Tigers sit 2 1/2 games behind the final wild-card spot after winning the first two contests of this series. Prospect Max Clark, recalled Friday, has provided an immediate spark with five hits including two doubles and a home run across two games. The team also held pitcher Casey Mize out of his scheduled weekend start in case he becomes a trade candidate before Monday’s deadline.
Detroit’s path back to October has grown steeper. Skubal started both losses in the past two Division Series eliminations, including a rough outing against Cleveland in 2024 and a strong performance wasted by the bullpen last season against Seattle. The Dodgers visit Detroit August 28-30, offering fans a chance to see the departed ace in an opponent’s uniform.
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