New Tarik Skubal Trade Rumors on Dodgers Interest, Potential Contract Extension

The Los Angeles Dodgers can put together the best trade offer for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal compared to all other MLB teams, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

"The Dodgers probably have more to offer than anyone else," Passan reported during a Tuesday appearance on the Rich Eisen Show (7:20 mark).

Passan also confirmed that Skubal isn't signing a contract extension in order to hit free agency, as he's expected to receive at least $400 million on his next deal (5:20 mark).

Skubal is earning $32 million for the 2026 season before hitting free agency at the end of the year.

Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto currently holds the highest overall contract value among full-time starting pitchers at $325 million, followed by New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole at $324 million (via Spotrac).

Still, it wouldn't be a shock to see Skubal surpass $400 million on his next deal.

The 29-year-old earned American League Cy Young Award honors in both 2024 and 2025, posting a 2.30 ERA while averaging 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings across the two seasons.

While Skubal has been limited to just eight starts this year due to elbow surgery, he's remained impactful when available.

He owns a 2.81 ERA to open his 2026 campaign, limiting opposing batters to a .610 OPS. The two-time All-Star has racked up 49 strikeouts compared to seven walks in 48 innings of work.

Acquiring Skubal would undoubtedly strengthen the Dodgers' chances of winning a third consecutive World Series title, as they already own MLB's best ERA among starters at 3.11.

The 2026 trade deadline is on Aug. 3.