Tarik Skubal Addresses Impending Free Agency, Dodgers Potentially Having Advantage

The reigning two-time World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers have the reigning two-time American League Cy Young award winner.

The Dodgers landed Tarik Skubal just ahead of the trade deadline in a blockbuster deal that sent shockwaves through the baseball world.

Skubal's time in Los Angeles hasn't gotten off to an ideal start, as the Dodgers recently snapped a seven-game losing streak. Still, the ultimate goal of winning a championship remains unchanged.

Los Angeles is seeking its third consecutive title, and that is all Skubal is focused on.

When asked about his impending free agency, the 29-year-old said he's excited to be in Los Angeles, but didn't want to get any more into it than that.

“I’m really not gonna talk about the business side of what’s happening with me,” he said in regards to his looming free agency and if the Dodgers now have an advantage.

“Obviously, I understand free agency. But I’d really like the message to be just, I’m excited to be here and learn everything about the Dodgers and all these guys here. You know, develop relationships and win as many baseball games as I can.”

Skubal did add that he and the Dodgers are "aligned" in their goals.

“The entire focus of this organization is on winning championships and that is my entire focus playing baseball, so we’re very much aligned," he said. "I’m ready to go out there and compete and give this organization and city everything that I’ve got.”

Skubal's time in Los Angeles got off to a solid start. Although he recorded the loss in his debut, the two-time Cy Young winner tallied six strikeouts in six innings of work. In his second start, he allowed three runs over five innings with six strikeouts in a 6-5 win.

As things stand, there is no official indication that the Dodgers will sign Skubal to a long-term extension, but Los Angeles remains the frontrunner to retain him.

Acquiring Skubal months before he reaches free agency gives the Dodgers an apparent advantage in negotiations.

Reports have indicated that Los Angeles was Skubal's preferred destination for his long-term future, putting the Dodgers in a strong position to keep the star left-handed pitcher beyond his current deal.

His agent, Scott Boras, even hinted that LA now has an advantage in the sweepstakes.

“It’s great for both the Dodgers and for Tarik that they both get to know one another quite well and determine more about what the future may hold for them,” Boras said to the California Post.

Tarik Skubal Stirs Rumors With Tigers Comments

While Skubal didn't want to discuss his impending free agency and how it pertains to the Dodgers, he did go on the "Pardon My Take" podcast and say that he would love to return to the Detroit Tigers, who traded him away at the deadline.

It was tough to say goodbye to Detroit for Tarik Skubal pic.twitter.com/VUqFWAHDkK
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) August 7, 2026

"I would love to play my whole career in Detroit. I would love to. And hopefully those negotiations can pick back up in November," Skubal said. "Hopefully they're involved with everything. I would love to return. I got nothing but good things to say about the city of Detroit and the manager, the coaching, the staff, the trainers, the teammates. Yeah, it's tough."

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