Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations for the Dodgers, shared optimistic news about trade discussions with the Detroit Tigers. He informed manager Dave Roberts about a potential deal for two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal just before Saturday’s game against the Red Sox.
Roberts recalled on Sunday that he heard the agreement was almost complete, though he stressed that medical evaluations were pending. Friedman chose to remain cautious, awaiting final confirmation from the Tigers during the game. “I had no idea and was trying to emotionally hedge,” Friedman said, reflecting on the uncertainty until receiving confirmation.
“I wasn’t getting too high or too low on it until we actually found out,”
The deal was confirmed Saturday with the Dodgers agreeing to trade three prospects – outfielder Zyhir Hope, right-handed pitcher River Ryan, and right-hander Brady Smith – to acquire Skubal from the Tigers. The official announcement came on Sunday.
Friedman emphasized the importance of being aggressive in trade efforts. He explained that while the Dodgers did not require Skubal, the opportunity to acquire him was too significant to pass up. “We were of the mind to be aggressive for one player this deadline, and fortunately we were able to line up,” Friedman said, after a series of intense discussions with the Tigers.
The timing and terms of the trade surprised some in the industry. The Dodgers strengthened their team without impacting their major-league roster. Ryan, one of the prospects traded, had shown potential in his four major-league starts, despite health issues affecting his career.
Friedman acknowledged giving up valuable talent. “Obviously they felt good going through it,” he noted, about the prospects traded. He added that the aggressive approach made sense for the team at this moment in time.
Skubal will join pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, and Shohei Ohtani in what catcher Dalton Rushing describes as “arguably the best rotation of all time.” Encouragingly, Rushing believes Skubal’s addition prepares the team for a championship challenge.
Veteran player Miguel Rojas views the trade as a strong message. “It’s a statement from this organization to the rest of the league and the world,” he said, underscoring the Dodgers’ commitment to maintaining high standards.
Although injuries remain a concern, Friedman expressed confidence in managing the players’ health. Skubal and Snell had previous surgeries, and Glasnow is nearing a return after back spasms. Ohtani’s knee issues persist, but the Dodgers remain confident in his recovery.
“We’re as confident as we can be that he’s going to be back,” Friedman stated, referencing Ohtani’s impending return to the mound.
Los Angeles plans to reintegrate Ohtani without a rehab assignment, akin to last season’s approach. Meanwhile, Skubal will make his Dodgers debut against the Cubs on Tuesday.
Though engaged in various discussions, Friedman suggested that further major roster additions are unlikely. He noted no urgent need to complete additional trades.
Never say never,
Friedman said, indicating the possibility of future moves without current necessity.