LOS ANGELES — As MLB trade deadline talks continue to intensify, Kingman native Tarik Skubal could find himself in the National League West — but as an Arizona Diamondbacks rival.
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Jul 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Detroit Tigers are expected to trade the back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner in the coming days, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, with many top contenders looking to add the southpaw to their rotations. Among the teams interested are the Milwaukee Brewers, who have a farm system strong enough to put together a competitive package.
Still, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain the favorites to land the left-hander.
Have we seen the last of Tarik Skubal in a Tigers uniform? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/bcHpyT5q72
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 30, 2026
That would directly impact the rest of the National League, as adding another All-Star to an already powerful roster would give Los Angeles perhaps the biggest boost of any team at this year’s trade deadline. The Dodgers already hold an 11.5-game lead over the D-Backs in the division, but it’s what Skubal could provide in October that makes the potential move even more significant.
Skubal’s rise has been fueled by both his intensity and consistency. It’s exactly what the Dodgers need as their rotation has been hit hard by injuries to Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell, while MVP Shohei Ohtani’s pitching status also remains uncertain.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) stands on the mound against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Credits: David Rodriguez-Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The left-hander’s high-90s fastball, devastating changeup and elite strikeout ability make him the type of frontline ace contenders covet for a postseason run. So far this season, Skubal has posted a 2.79 ERA with 116 strikeouts in 96.2 innings, with a 0.91 WHIP.
A trade to Los Angeles would strengthen the Diamondbacks’ biggest division rival by adding another elite arm to its rotation, potentially making the Dodgers an even greater obstacle in the National League postseason race.
Jul 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Skubal’s next destination is worth watching closely. If he lands in Los Angeles, the Kingman product could become one of the most influential players in the National League playoff race — and could impact Arizona’s bid for a postseason berth in future series.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Diamondbacks’ trade deadline may look different than fans expect
