The Los Angeles Dodgers secured two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers on the night of Saturday, August 2nd, 2026. Skubal received the news during the Tigers' 8-6 victory over the Athletics and was emotional as he prepared to leave the team that drafted him in 2018 and helped develop him into a star.

Skubal expressed excitement about joining the Dodgers, the two-time defending World Series champions, saying, "I’m excited to get down there and meet all those guys and chase three championships in a row."

The Dodgers, currently leading the National League West, were already favorites to become the first team to win three consecutive World Series titles since the New York Yankees from 1998-2000. Adding Skubal strengthens their pitching staff, which features notable players such as Shohei Ohtani, reigning World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, fellow two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. If all remain healthy, Skubal could be a key part of this rotation.

Skubal, a 29-year-old left-hander, had indicated in July that he preferred to finish the season with the Tigers and compete for a World Series championship, a title that has eluded Detroit since 1984. He currently holds a $32 million salary, a record total in arbitration, after the team offered $19 million, and is expected to sign a substantial contract in the offseason.

The Dodgers lead the majors with a 3.36 ERA from their starting pitchers and now add Skubal to their mix as they pursue another championship run.

Sources