Dodgers Go Big and acquire lhsp tarik skubal
Okay, I was partially wrong. I did say that it would depend on who Detroit insisted on in return for LHSP Tarik Skubal, but I never thought that AF/BG would do it again. There is no way Milwaukee, Cubs, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay let the Dodgers trade for Skubal and only include RHP River Ryan (MLB Pipeline #7), OF Zyhir Hope (MLB Pipeline #5), and RHP Brady Smith (MLB Pipeline #17). The rumors were that Detroit was going to wait until after the weekend series with the A’s and make a decision on Monday AM. Detroit is only 2.5 games out of the WC, and this was the best they could do? Good for the Dodgers.
In addition to three top 17 LAD Prospects, two of the prospects were Top 100. Hope was #25, and Ryan was #68. For Baseball America, Ryan was not rated, and Hope was #55. Yes, losing River Ryan hurts, but with Gavin Stone due back by next year, he was replaceable. Hope could turn into an All Star, but the Dodgers believe that JDP, Quintero, and Sirota are better OF prospects. Charles Davalan is not far behind. James Tibbs III? He has made at least 1 top 100 list. Zach Ehrhard and Kendall George are good OF prospects in their own right and would be better showcased on most other teams.
The Dodgers still have Sheehan, JDP, Sirota, Quintero, Zazueta, Davalan, and for now Kendall George.
The Dodgers also still have LHSP Eric Lauer, MLB OF Alex Call, and MiLB OF/1B Ryan Ward. They can use these assets and others to try and rebalance the prospects for the affiliates.
Blake Snell should be back in the rotation after one more rehab start. Tyler Glasnow could be starting his rehab by late next week and could be back in the rotation by the end of August. The Dodgers insist Shohei Ohtani will pitch again this year.
Playoff rotation could be: Yamamoto, Skubal, Ohtani, Snell. Glasnow, Wrobleski, Sasaki, and Sheehan would move to the bullpen with Díaz, Scott, Phillips, Vesia, Dreyer, and Henriquez (or Halvorsen).
Could the Dodgers look to add a lockdown reliever like Weaver or Holmes? Could they overwhelm Toronto for Louis Varland? Or other effective if not lock down RP, NYM Brooks Raley or Huascar Brazoban or Toronto Tyler Rogers?
Can they look to make a trade for a near MLB ready top 50 SS? How about a top 100 catching prospect?
If Skubal is the only trade, it was another AF steal.
What I find very comical is the number of fans who are now complaining that this is the last straw, and that there MUST be a lockout next year. These fans are off the wall pissed off. As if any of their teams could not put together a package to beat what LAD offered. How is it that Milwaukee couldn’t put together a better package or did they choose not to?
All of these teams have more draft picks, pick higher, and have more bonus $$$, and yet they cannot put together a MiLB system better than the Dodgers. Most of these teams over the last few years have outspent LAD with their IFA picks. Milwaukee especially has signed some special IFA.
Tampa Bay couldn’t put together a better package? Or did they choose not to?
The Cubs have said that their top OF/1B Josiah Hartshorn was untouchable, and yet he was #60 prospect. The Dodgers traded their #25 OF prospect (Hope), AND # 60 RHP prospect. So the Dodgers should be castigated because they are willing to make such a trade and the other teams were not?
And there are those who were laughing at the prospect ranking of Ryan. I guess they know more than those who make a living as talent evaluators and the Detroit Tigers management.
The Dodgers are not done. There is still more than 30 hours until the deadline comes to an end.
OKC Comets 6 – Las Vegas Aviators (A’s) 5
LHSP Jackson Ferris has now had back-to-back positive starts. In the 2nd after getting the 1st two outs, he gave up 2 singles, with the lead runner moving to 3rd on a fielding error on the play. A third single brought in the run (unearned).
In the 3rd inning, with one out 3 consecutive BB to C Chuckie Robinson, 3B Alex Freeland, and CF Alek Thomas. DH Zach Ehrhard singled to score Robinson, and LF Ryan Ward hit a SF to score Freeland.
In the 4th, RF Jack Suwinski doubled (25), moved to 3rd on a WP, and scored on a single from SS Noah Miller.
In the 5th, Freeland walked and moved to 2nd on a sac bunt by Thomas. Freeland stole 3rd and scored on Ehrhard’s 2nd RBI single. Ward hit a 2-run HR to extend the lead to 6-1.
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Ferris hit the proverbial wall in the 6th. He gave up a 1 out single, and after the 2nd out, he ran into trouble. Back-to-back BB to load the bases, and then a 2 run single. RHRP Paul Gervase relieved Ferris and got the final out.
Gervase served up a 2-run HR in the 7th inning. RHRP Carlos Duran pitched a clean 8th inning.
RHRP Seth Halvorsen entered the 9th for the save opportunity. Three batters later, the game was over with the final two outs via K. 12 pitches (9 strikes). 8 of the 12 pitches were > 100 MPH.
· Alex Freeland – 1-1, 3 BB, 2 runs, triple (3)
· Zach Ehrhard – 2-4, 1 run, 2 RBI
· Ryan Ward – 1-3, 1 run, 3 RBI, SF, HR (13)
· Jack Suwinski – 1-4, 1 run, double (25)
NW Arkansas Naturals (KC) 8 – Tulsa Drillers 7
I turned on the Tulsa game on MLB.TV and learned that both Kendall George and Zyhir Hope, who were in the original lineup, were scratched. No explanation. hhhmmm
Oh well, I can watch RHSP Christian Zazueta. I picked the wrong night to focus on him.
Zazueta was hit hard in the first inning but could have got out of the inning unscathed if not for a SS Elijah Hainline throwing error…or maybe it was the inability for 1B Jake Gelof to pick it.
In the bottom of the first, with one out, LF Josue De Paula slugged a HR (18). One out later, playing for Hope, RF Chris Newell hit his 18th HR, and Tulsa had a short lived 2-1 lead.
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Zazueta gave up a 2-run HR in the 2nd inning. In the 3rd inning, he gave up another 2-run HR, and 2 other runs scored on a double, HBP, RBI single, double steal, and a balk.
Zazueta’s night was over, and it was a forgettable night…3.0 IP, 7 runs (all earned), 8 hits, and 5 K. His pitches caught way too much of the plate.
LHRP Evan Shaw gave up a double and a pair of singles for a run in the 5th.
JDP hit his 2nd HR of the night in the 8th (19).
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Tulsa made a game of it in the 9th. Hainline led off with a BB and 3B Taylor Young singled. After 2 fly outs, CF Kole Myers hit a 3-run HR (3). JDP was HBP, and DH Mike Sirota walked. Newell singled to score JDP and move Sirota to 3rd. Unfortunately, 1B Jake Gelof struck out to end the game.
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The two replacements for George and Hope, Myers and Newell, went 5-8 with 2 HRs.
· Kole Myers – 2-4, 1 BB, 1 run, 3 RBI, HR (3)
· Josue De Paula – 2-3, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 3 runs, 2 RBI, 2 HR (19)
· Chris Newell – 3-4, 1 BB, 1 run, 1 RBI, HR (18)
Fort Wayne TinCaps (San Diego) 7 – Great Lakes Loons 0 – Game Suspended
LHSP Sterling Patick, was another SP who got hit hard and gave up a bunch of runs in the first couple of innings. Patick gave up a 2-run HR in the 1st inning. He also gave up a single, WP, RBI single, SB, BB, and a 2-run double. In all he gave up 5 runs on 3 singles, 1 double, 1 BB, and 1 HR.
Patick gave up a pair of solo HRs in the 2nd.
Then the rain came.
Fresno Grizzlies (Colorado) 15 – Ontario Tower Buzzers 4
RHP Will Gagnon started his 3rd game, and he went 4.0 IP. He allowed a 1st inning HR and then walked 4 in the 3rd inning. He retired the side in order in the 4th and was finished for the night. 2 runs, 2 hits, 4 BB, and 7 K. The 4 walks in one inning were ugly, but otherwise Gagnon had a respectable start.
Then it seems we saw what is becoming a nightly occurrence. BAD RELIEF PITCHING. Gagnon allows 2 in 4.0 innings, then 5 relievers allowed 13 runs in 5.0 innings.
For Ontario in the 2nd inning, SS Joendry Vargas singled and scored ahead of 3B Oswaldo Osorio and his 6th HR.
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In the 4th, C Connor O’Neal doubled (10) and moved to 3rd on Osorio’s single. O’Neal scored on a single by DH Javier Herrera.
In the 9th, Osorio hit his 2nd HR (7) of the game.
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Discussion (165)
Disagree, not disagreeable
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This is still hard to navigate as a message board, sorting by newest doesn’t ,and the most recent comment rise to the top.
It’s hard to follow what reply is to what comment.
The linking deadness is also wild,
If you stop to think about it, this move in and of itself could have been done by a trained monkey. I am sure the Tigers took the best offer and the Dodgers #5, 7 and 17 Top Rated prospects won out. It was an easy move to make. It’s what preceded this trade that is amazing- building a farm system that won’t even feel the loss of these players. That was the hard part. These players may all be very good… but the Dodgers won’t miss them. AF and Skubal would both be remiss to sign an extension right now with the prospect of a new contract, it would surprise me if a new deal is reached although Skubal has said he wanted to be a Dodger. The brilliance of this deal is AF laying the foundation to have this level of depth to be able to make this deal. AJ Preller always has to gut the farm when he makes a trade. The Dodgers don’t even feel this one. “So we lost three… we’ve got (a lot) more!”
It’s a great trade, AF received amazing value.
I’m not sure I would have done it, but you have to admire how good the FO is.
When Glasnow is healthy, he is one of the best pitchers in MLB. So, he is not healthy for a 162 game season. He was ready for the playoffs last year (as was Snell), and he will be again this year. If Glasnow and Snell were pitching for other teams, they would already be back. I think the Dodgers know what they are doing with holding these pitchers back until they are ready to compete in October.
BTW, the best starting pitchers in baseball since the start of 2025 according to opponent AVG. (min 110 IP):
Snell does not have 110 IP in that time.
Keith Law on the deal is insightful and well-written. He does not Skubal’s FB is down a tick: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7486169/2026/08/02/tarik-skubal-trade-dodgers-tigers-return/
Fangraph’s Clemens on the deal: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/dodgers-acquire-tarik-skubal-in-deadline-blockbuster/ “ Last year, the Dodgers innovated by trying to build the whole rotation out of number one starters. This year, they got a rare opportunity to get yet another mega-ace for three months, no strings attached… No one else was going to top an offer like this. The Brewers and Rays can’t trade away their versions of Ryan and Hope; they’ll need those guys for years to come. They have the prospect capital to do it, they just can’t, because the players they’d trade are also necessary for their goal of competing in the future. They’re relying on their farm system to keep the perpetual motion machine going. Today’s prospects are tomorrow’s contributors; they can’t also be the trade chips sent out for Skubal. Taking a big swing by trading for a rental player stings if you’ll feel the absence of the players you dealt down the road. Good as he is, Skubal is no guarantee of success, because nothing in baseball is guaranteed. The Milwaukee and Tampa Bay (and Cleveland and…) front offices don’t operate by taking swings like that, much as we might sometimes want them to.“
ESPN on the deal: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/49469642/mlb-trade-deadline-grades-2026-tarik-skubal-los-angeles-dodgers-detroit-tigers-blockbuster “ At a certain point, the Dodgers' accumulation of star talent becomes tiresome, and the coming postseason would be a lot more fun if Skubal were positioned to take down the Dodgers rather than aiding their quest for permanent domination.”
A two time Cy Young award winner in exchange for Matt Beaty, half of Michael Busch, and a third round draft choice? Deal!!
Did anyone else hear Orel Hershiser on the broadcast talking about his rule suggestion where he thought MLB should change the out/safe calls on the bases? I am going to paraphrase so he said if the runner touches the base in any manner before the tag they should call him safe and if he comes off the base just a smidgen then he is still safe. I think this was on the play last night at 2nd base with Pages. I can see it both ways but I think he is on to something that might get changed down the road.
Might seem a bit arrogant but as an LA sports fan (Dodgers, Rams and Lakers) AF has once again pulled off a massive trade that will define the MLB trade deadline just like Les Snead did when he acquired Myles Garrett. It seems LA is the sports capital of America with big name stars wanting to play in LA and bring multiple championships to the city.
Getting Skubal doesn't guarantee another WS championship but it certainly increases the odds it might happen. AF is the best POBO/GM in baseball and Dodger ownership, player development and scouting are second to none. Once we get Snell and Glasnow back, and assuming they stay healthy, I can see a move to the BP for Sasaki, Wrobo and Sheehan.
As I predicted last week that Skubal would be a Dodger and people on this site doubted me. IMO AF/BG gave up very little to acquire him. A BRILLIANT front office move.
Hypothetically speaking - do we think AF tries to extend Skubal now he’s here? He’s gonna want a lot of money over a long period.
Yoshi and Shohei aren’t going anywhere soon, and both Blake and Tyler have a number of years left. I’m guessing that he gets a deal done now, before the potential Lock Out. What would it look like?
The other interesting thing is where do all these Pitchers fit into the Post Season plans? Sasaki, Sheehan and Lauer won’t start, but is there enough room in the Pen for them? Stewart and Klein are done so there is that. And of course there is Wrobleski who has been our biggest asset this season.
What a time to be a Dodger fan. Looking forward to chewing this over with our leader over a couple of beers later!!
PIGS…..
I am a Sheehan fan, but I agree he is not a MLB pitcher right now. He needs to go back to OKC and work on his problems with command. Those three HR were center cut. The Yoshida HR was center in, while the other two were closer to center/center. I also would not trade Lauer.
I thought that several teams would beat the Dodgers package, which was why I didn’t think Skubal would be a Dodger. This was a no-brainer for AF! Print the trophy!
We may have the better record but right now Boston is the better team.
Dodgers are looking like a MiLB team.
Well that was hard to watch. Sheehan looks like a deer in the headlights. Skubal spotted in the dugout.
Apparently, the Tigers insisted on Rookie RHSP Logan Henderson in a Tarik Skubal package. Brewers did not budge and when the Dodgers were willing to include Ryan and Hope, the deal was made. It was just agreeing on final piece. No mention as to who else was in the Brewers package. Both Ryan and Hope were ranked in top 100 higher than Henderson, before Henderson graduated from prospect status. Although Henderson is pitching very well in his rookie season.
Per Passan and Sammon:
The Tampa Bay Rays are acquiring right-hander Freddy Peralta in a trade with the New York Mets, sources tell ESPN. Rays get their starter, who joins Drew Rasmussen, Shane McClanahan and Nick Martinez in one of the American League's best rotation
JDP just hit #20 for Tulsa. and it was crushed. He is fun to watch.
AI Overview Pundits overwhelmingly awarded the Los Angeles Dodgers an A or A+ grade for acquiring ace Tarik Skubal, while the Detroit Tigers received mixed marks ranging from a B to a B- (with a few sympathetic A's) for their three-prospect return.
Los Angeles Dodgers: A / A+The Pundit Consensus: Universal praise for fortifying an already elite roster without depleting their absolute top-tier untouchable asset pool.Immediate Impact: Analysts note that adding the reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner provides vital rotation insurance amid injuries to Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Blake Snell.October Strategy: Experts highlight that the move doubles as a massive short-term win by keeping a premier arm away from potential postseason rivals.
Detroit Tigers: B / B-The Return Quality: Evaluators credit Detroit for landing a high-ceiling young centerpiece in outfield prospect Zyhir Hope alongside pitching prospects River Ryan and Brady Smith.Missed Opportunities: Some critics argue the Tigers waited too long after a July collapse and past contract missteps, settling for a lighter package than they could have gotten earlier.
Unbelievable! I will happily eat multiple servings of crow. Andrew does it again. The crime of the century! Book em
Is this August 1st or April 1st? This has to be a gag, right? If this is for real, this is the steal of the decade. I'll check in the morning.............
Toronto traded RHSP Kevin Gausman to Cubs for MiLB OF Brett Bateman (#21 MLB Pipeline prospect), and INF Tyler Southisene (#13 MLB Pipeline prospect)
Also, I'm not sure if Kyle Tucker lost that hit by Muncy in the sun and hence didn't run, or is he just a horrendously base runner?
The Peacock crew even commented on it.
HEY!!! What's that smell? Nevermind, it's just Emmet stinking the place up.
I wonder why Det wanted River Ryan over Sheehan