DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 28: Pitcher Tarik Skubal #29 of the Los Angeles Dodgers heads toward the dugout after wrapping up the opening inning of a matchup with the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on August 28, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Since there was no contract extension on the horizon to keep Tarik Skubal in Detroit past the 2025 campaign, the Tigers chose to trade their premier pitcher instead of risking losing him to free agency for nothing.
In exchange for Skubal, Detroit acquired prospects River Ryan, Brady Smith, and Zyhir Hope. The left-hander is now part of a Los Angeles Dodgers franchise that has captured another division crown and is aiming for a third consecutive World Series championship.
Furthermore, recent comments from Skubal hint at what his future plans might entail once this season concludes.
Ex-Tigers Star Tarik Skubal Drops Strong Hint Regarding His Long-Term Plans
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 28: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal #29 walks back to the dugout following the first inning of play against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on August 28, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Dodgers secured another National League West title—their 13th division championship over a 14-year span—sparking a wild, champagne-drenched locker room celebration.
Amidst the clubhouse festivities with teammate and fellow starting pitcher Blake Snell, Skubal, who is set to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent this winter, dropped what sounded like a major clue about his future.
“Celebrating with this group is incredibly fun. This is going to be special, and it’s just the first of many to come,” Skubal said.
“Let them know it’s extra special because you get to pitch in the playoffs alongside your brother,” Snell added.
Skubal answered, “He’s my closest friend; he’s like a little brother to me.”
Does this suggest that, regardless of how much Detroit supporters hope for a reunion, he intends to remain with Los Angeles for the long haul?
Tarik Skubal Previously Hinted at a Potential Return to Detroit
Shortly after his trade to Los Angeles, the ace suggested that returning to Detroit somewhere down the line remained on the table.
“I would have loved spending my entire career with Detroit,” Skubal remarked during an interview on the “Pardon My Take” podcast. “I really would have. I hope we can resume those contract talks in November after the postseason wraps up, and see how things shake out.
“I hope they stay in the mix because I’d love to go back. I have nothing but positive things to say about Detroit, the manager, the coaching staff, the trainers, and my former teammates; leaving was difficult.
“I’m fighting back tears talking about it, but I truly love those guys. Hopefully, they will be active in the bidding this November, and we’ll see what unfolds.”
This story was first featured on HEAVY
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