Dodgers’ Tarik Skubal Outlook Shifts After Injury
The Dodgers have been seen as a longshot for Tigers' ace Tarik Skubal, though his injury could boost their chances of signing him.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been left on the outside looking in with regard to Detroit Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal, who has won the last two Cy Young awards, though his injury could boost their chances of signing him. Skubal is set to be the big prize of free agency over the offseason, likely securing the biggest contract for a pitcher in free agency history. However, there has been a major development in his status: he has an elbow injury that will keep him out for a month or two.
The southpaw is having surgery to remove a loose body from his elbow, a procedure similar to the one Edwin Diaz underwent. Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal talks to reporters before a game against the Boston Red Sox on May 4, 2026, at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. With him missing time due to the injury, Skubal’s status as a free agent is somewhat in flux.
It is unclear how he will return and what any power turn in production or possible reinjury could mean for his value. According to The California Post’s Jack Harris and Dylan Hernandez , Skubal might end up following the Kyle Tucker free agent path. “The prediction last time was that the Tigers would be out of contention by the trade deadline and would trade the impending free agent in August,” The California Post’s story read.
“Skubal recently underwent a procedure to remove loose bodies from his elbow and might not return before the trade deadline, which decreases the chances of the Tigers dealing him. “Ironically, the procedure could actually increase his chances of pitching for the Dodgers. “If Skubal doesn’t look like his usual self upon his return, teams might be reluctant to offer him the monster deal he was expected to sign before his injury.