LA Dodgers may already be baseball’s gold standard, but a potential blockbuster move could elevate them into truly historic territory. Fresh off back-to-back World Series titles, Los Angeles is reportedly positioning itself for a franchise-altering acquisition that would reshape the MLB landscape for years to come.
According to FanSided’s Christopher Kline, Dodgers are emerging as the most realistic landing spot for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner whose value is projected to approach the $500 million mark.
While Detroit could choose to keep Skubal through the remainder of his contract, the financial and competitive incentives to move him now are substantial.
“Maybe the Detroit Tigers decide to let Skubal finish out his contract and focus all their efforts on winning in 2026, but there's strong incentive to cash in now,” Kline wrote. “The odds of Skubal, a potential $500 million pitcher, re-signing next winter are practically zero.”
Why LA Dodgers hold the advantage
What separates Dodgers from the rest of the league is not just payroll flexibility, but depth. Los Angeles possesses a rare blend of MLB-ready arms and high-ceiling position players that few teams can match.
As Kline noted, names like Emmet Sheehan and River Ryan headline a pitching group ready to contribute immediately, while prospects such as Alex Freeland, Zhyir Hope, and Daulton Rushing give Detroit long-term upside.
“I’m not sure another team can outbid Dodgers if motivated,” Kline added, underlining just how overwhelming L.A.’s offer could become if talks accelerate.
A deal that works for all sides
The proposal doesn’t stop at prospects. Kline suggested that LA Dodgers could include an established All-Star to soften the blow for Detroit’s rotation.
“L.A. can also dangle Tyler Glasnow, himself an established, All-Star ace, to sweeten the pot,” he wrote, noting that Los Angeles is one of the few organizations confident it could re-sign Skubal long-term.
There’s also a personal angle. Skubal grew up in California, making a move to Los Angeles a homecoming—and an opportunity to chase multiple championships with baseball’s most aggressive winner.
A rotation for the ages
Skubal’s 2025 campaign only strengthens the case. He posted a 13-6 record, a 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts, and a microscopic 0.891 WHIP over 195 innings en route to his second Cy Young in three seasons.
Pairing him with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani, and Roki Sasaki would give LA Dodgers a rotation unlike anything the modern game has seen.