New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated he was "not shocked" by the news that the Dodgers had acquired pitcher Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers. The move by the two-time defending World Series champions was reported to have been finalized on the morning after it became apparent Skubal was available.
The Yankees, along with the Milwaukee Brewers, were reportedly among the teams nearing a deal for Skubal, but the Dodgers ultimately secured the Tigers' ace. "You knew Skubal, it seemed like he was available the last few days," Boone said. "So not shocked, knowing the system the Dodgers had."
To acquire Skubal, the Dodgers sent a package of prospects to the Tigers: outfielder Zyhir Hope and pitchers River Ryan and Brady Smith. The Tigers currently sit 2 1/2 games back of the final American League wild card spot.
Boone acknowledged the Dodgers' strategy, stating, "They’re playing by the rules. They’re trying to better their team." He added, "Every team has decisions to make this time of year, where we’re dealing with a bunch of teams deciding if they’re buyers, they’re sellers or somewhere in between. Clearly they’re buyers this year."
For the Yankees, the priority is now to address the offensive side of the roster. Despite having a strong rotation that is expected to include Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, and Gerrit Cole, with Carlos Rodón and Ryan Weathers or Will Warren as potential additions if healthy, the team has struggled with inconsistency at the plate. The club aims to use its prospect capital to acquire hitters and bolster the bullpen, which has been overshadowed by recent performances from the starting rotation.
"I know a ton of conversations are happening," Boone said when asked about potential trade acquisitions. "How they land, where they end up, do you ultimately get to a point where a deal is made? You just never can tell."
The Yankees manager emphasized the team's current focus on their ongoing series. "Really, it’s certainly not my job or our coaches or our players’ job. Our focus is trying to finish off a good road trip here against a really good team. That’s where our focus lies."