PHOENIX — Tarik Skubal, one of the most closely followed names ahead of the MLB trade deadline, is officially in the National League West, and Arizona Diamondbacks fans aren’t holding back on the blockbuster move.
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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
Skubal, a Kingman native and back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner, is headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers after weeks of questions surrounding whether the Detroit Tigers would trade their ace ahead of the MLB trade deadline. After the Tigers’ recent stretch, the organization decided to move him, adding even more star power to an already loaded NL West.
Diamondbacks fans online expressed a wide range of emotions about the trade, even though it didn’t directly involve the club, but many voiced frustration over how the move could potentially influence the possibility of a league-wide lockout in 2027.
Anyone who doesn’t realize baseball is broken, is probs a dodgers fan. Dodgers are paying I think 180m in luxury tax this year.
That’s more than half the MLB total salaries. You can’t convince Dodger fans but I think anyone with common sense realizes this is broken. https://t.co/O9NqaY2iG3
— 🌵 Mr. Az (@MrAzSports) August 2, 2026
We didn’t realize it at the time, but the Dbacks sweeping the Dodgers in 2023 has led to the downfall of baseball
— Mick (@Mick_Signa) August 2, 2026
Nothing else is sport comes close to the Dodgers’ $$ overspending advantage. Not Barcelona soccer. Nothing. https://t.co/87DtaP1qPE
— DBacks Factoids (@DbacksFactoids) August 2, 2026
Supporters aren’t necessarily upset that Arizona’s rival continues to stockpile top talent and compete at the highest level. Instead, their frustration comes from how it’s being done and what it could mean for the future.
The move serves as another reminder of the challenge that comes with competing in the NL West. The Dodgers adding another frontline player raises the expectations for the rest of the division and puts more pressure on teams like the D-Backs to continue building a roster capable of competing with baseball’s biggest spenders.
Aug 25, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
While the trade doesn’t directly change Arizona’s roster, it could have an impact on how the organization approaches the future. The Snakes have built around young talent, pitching development and strategic moves, but the Dodgers’ continued pursuit of elite players creates a difficult path for any team trying to win the division.
May 17, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
The Skubal trade represents more than just another Dodgers addition. It highlights the growing gap between some of baseball’s biggest spenders and the teams trying to find ways to compete, making every offseason decision and roster move even more important for Arizona’s future.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
