Pitcher Tarik Skubal's recent trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers could position them favorably in securing a long-term contract with the two-time Cy Young Award winner, according to his agent, Scott Boras. Skubal, 29, is set to become a free agent at the end of the current season.
"There’s nothing like getting to know how a franchise works and your role in it," Boras told The California Post. He added that the trade allows "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."
Skubal was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for three mid-level prospects and is scheduled to make his Dodgers debut on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs. Boras expressed confidence that the Dodgers will recognize Skubal's value, describing him as "of the most competitive people that I’ve been around in my career."
Despite an emotional departure from the Tigers, Skubal is reportedly appreciating the opportunity with the Dodgers, which Boras stated allows him to pursue his goal of winning a World Series. The agent also noted the Dodgers' pitching depth would prevent Skubal from being overutilized, a concern when a team acquires a potentially short-term talent.
Skubal's recent elbow surgery in early May, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache using a new surgical device nicknamed the “Skubal Scope,” has not diminished his fastball velocity. He returned to pitching for the Tigers just five weeks after the procedure and has since found his rhythm, with a 2-0 record and a 1.71 earned-run average in his last three starts.
This scenario mirrors previous instances where prominent players, such as Max Scherzer in 2021 and Manny Ramirez in 2008, used a mid-season trade to the Dodgers as a platform for successful contract negotiations. Skubal's current situation is further enhanced because the Dodgers cannot extend him a qualifying offer due to the timing of the trade, removing the draft pick compensation usually associated with signing a free agent.
Yamamoto, who was the MVP of last year's World Series, referred to Skubal as the "No. 1 pitcher" in baseball. Boras predicted that Skubal would bring not only on-field performance but also a winning spirit to a franchise that has already achieved significant success, potentially motivating other players.