Tarik Skubal Makes Telling Statement After Dodgers Clinch NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers ace Tarik Skubal may have hinted at his future plans when celebrating the team's division title.
The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their 13th National League West title in the team's last 14 years with an 8-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. To mark the occasion, the club celebrated with champagne in the clubhouse. During the festivities, pitcher Tarik Skubal offered an intriguing statement. "The group here is great.
It's a ton of fun to celebrate these moments with these guys," Skubal remarked to SportsNet LA. "It's gonna be special. It's gonna be the first of many." While Skubal's words may hint at his future plans, observers are left wondering if the pending free agent is expressing a desire to remain with the Dodgers. The Detroit Tigers acquired Skubal in a trade for River Ryan, Brady Smith, and Zyhir Hope before the August trade deadline.
As a two-time Cy Young Award winner, Skubal strengthens an already formidable rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow. Following the trade, Skubal was sidelined for more than a month due to loose bodies in his elbow. With a 2.70 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 24 starts this season, Skubal remains a highly sought-after pitcher.
ESPN reporter Jeff Passan has speculated that Skubal, who turns 30 in November, could secure a contract worth double the $245 million offered to Stephen Strasburg in 2019. The Dodgers, who have been aggressively spending in recent offseasons, are likely to face limited competition for Skubal's services. If the team can secure Skubal, they would become the first NL franchise to achieve a three-peat in World Series championships before entering free agency this winter.
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