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The Dodgers have not confirmed that they are pursuing a reunion with Tarik Skubal, but baseball operations president Andrew Friedman said the club is continuing to talk with Skubal’s agent. Los Angeles has many rotation options, yet injuries and workload concerns could make the two-time Cy Young winner valuable despite no obvious shortage of starters.
The Dodgers have not announced an offer or confirmed a plan to re-sign Tarik Skubal, but president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Los Angeles is continuing to talk with the pitcher’s agent. The two-time American League Cy Young Award winner would strengthen the rotation, though the club’s existing depth means a reunion appears to be an opportunity rather than an established necessity.
Skubal went 12-7 with a 2.72 ERA in 26 starts during his walk year, according to MLB’s report. His season included a six-week absence after surgery to remove a loose body from his left elbow. The report describes him as the leading free agent this offseason and says he is expected to seek a record-breaking contract; no contract figure or terms are confirmed in the source material.
The Dodgers acquired Skubal from Detroit as a rental at the previous trade deadline, surrendering prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith. MLB reported that the experience gave the club an opportunity to evaluate both his pitching and his fit in the clubhouse. However, neither Skubal nor the Dodgers has publicly stated outright that the sides intend to reunite.
Friedman said the Dodgers have “a tremendous amount of respect” for Skubal and are continuing to speak with his agent, Scott Boras. He also said the decision about where to spend the next several years belongs to Skubal and his family. Those remarks confirm contact and mutual praise, not a deal, offer or commitment.
How Skubal Could Stabilize the Rotation
Signing Skubal could give Los Angeles another frontline starter and reduce the burden on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whom the report identifies as the rotation’s ace and anchor. A deep roster on paper does not guarantee a settled rotation over a full season: injuries, performance and decisions about pitcher workloads can leave gaps.
The Dodgers’ choice is therefore less about whether Skubal would improve the team than whether that improvement justifies a potentially record-setting commitment. A long-term contract would compete for payroll and roster resources, while passing on him would leave Los Angeles relying on its existing options and their health. The report does not give a projected contract value, so the precise financial trade-off cannot be assessed from the available information.
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The Dodgers’ Rotation and Prior Trade
Los Angeles already has a long list of rotation candidates on its 40-man roster, including Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki and Shohei Ohtani. Other listed options include Emmet Sheehan, Gavin Stone, Justin Wrobleski and Landon Knack. The report also notes several pitchers who have shifted toward relief and upper-minors prospects who could be considered for roster protection.
That depth has limits. MLB’s report says Snell and Glasnow combined for 22 starts in the regular season, and Ohtani’s pitching workload may be managed to help preserve his two-way role through the postseason. It also describes no clear sixth starter when Ohtani is in the rotation, naming Sheehan, Wrobleski and Stone among the leading possibilities.
The earlier trade shows that Los Angeles was willing to give up significant prospect value to acquire Skubal for a short-term run. Hope and Ryan were ranked among MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects at the time, while Smith was listed as Detroit’s No. 9 prospect. That transaction established the club’s interest in Skubal’s talent, but it does not establish what the Dodgers will offer in free agency.
“We have a tremendous amount of respect for him on and off the field … and for us, it’s continue to talk to Scott [Boras, his agent].”
— Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations
Contract Talks and Rotation Needs
The source does not establish how much the Dodgers would need to offer, whether they have made a formal proposal, or how Skubal and Boras view a potential Los Angeles contract. The prediction that Skubal could receive a record-breaking deal is an expectation reported by MLB, not a confirmed asking price or agreement.
It is also unclear how the Dodgers will set their rotation and manage workloads next season, including Ohtani’s pitching schedule and the availability of Snell and Glasnow. Those factors could change how urgent another starter becomes. No final decision on a reunion is reported.
Free-Agent Decision Still Ahead
The next development would be a contract offer, further confirmation of negotiations or a decision by Skubal about where he wants to play. Friedman said the Dodgers would continue talking with Boras, but the report provides no timetable, offer details or announced next step.
Until either side confirms more, the clearest reading is that Los Angeles has shown interest and has reasons to consider Skubal, while its rotation depth gives it alternatives. Whether the club turns that interest into a long-term contract remains unresolved.
Key Questions
Have the Dodgers confirmed they are re-signing Tarik Skubal?
No. There is no confirmed agreement or announced offer in the report. Friedman said the club is continuing to talk with Skubal’s agent.
How much could Skubal’s contract cost?
The report says Skubal is expected to command a record-breaking contract, but it gives no specific dollar amount, term or confirmed asking price.
Why might the Dodgers pursue him if they have many starters?
Rotation depth can be reduced by injuries, uneven performance and workload management. Skubal could add a frontline starter and more stability, though the report says Los Angeles does not have an obvious urgent need on paper.
What did the Dodgers give up to acquire Skubal?
In the trade for Skubal as a rental, the Dodgers sent Detroit Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith, according to MLB’s report.
Source: mlb.com
