Now that the dust is starting to settle after the Los Angeles Dodgers’ National League Championship Series sweep at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers, focus is turning to next season, including what ace pitcher Tarik Skubal plans to do.
Skubal, who was acquired by the Dodgers just before the trade deadline, will be a free agent this offseason, with a bevy of experts telling Kiley McDaniel of ESPN a variety of predictions that average to a contract of eight years and $355 million.
With a life-changing fortune on the line, many fans wondered if Skubal wants to return to LA and take another shot at a World Series title.
What did Tarik Skubal say about his future with the Dodgers?
After that crushing loss Thursday night, Skubal was asked about his upcoming decision, though he told MLB.com’s Sonja Chen that wasn’t where his focus was.
“I’m not going to comment on my future really at all,” he said. “Today sucks, you know, and that’s kind of where my head’s at.”
While fans may be eager to get any clue as to what Skubal plans, that mentality of remaining in the moment is something that has endeared the longtime Detroit Tiger to his new Dodgers teammates.
Asked about Skubal earlier this month, third baseman Max Muncy said even among teammates, Skubal refrained from discussing the topic.
“All he’s talked about is just pitching here, competing with us, making it through this playoff run,” Muncy said.
And that kind of focus on the matter at hand isn’t always the norm, Muncy added.
“We’ve had a lot of guys that have come over here and they’re they’re free agents next year and and they talk about it and it’s not a bad thing,” he said. “You’re supposed to talk about it. It’s an exciting time for a lot of these guys, but for him, like I said, he’s been so focused on what’s going on right now, that it’s been really cool to see.”
Skubal also developed a fast friendship with fellow two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell.
Clearly, Skubal would be welcomed back to the Dodgers clubhouse with open arms. The only question is, is that where he wants to be in 2027 and beyond?
What’s next for Tarik Skubal?
McDaniel of ESPN reported that the top contenders for Skubal’s services are the Dodgers, the Tigers and the New York Mets, with the New York Yankees one tier back and the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox and San Diego Padres as sleepers.
Skubal said just after the trade that he hopes Detroit makes a play for him, but since then, he’s said he’s very much enjoyed his time with the Dodgers.
As is often the case in these situations, money talks, but so do fit, culture and winning.
Do you think Skubal will return to the Dodgers?
