The Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired ace pitcher Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers, causing significant ripples in Major League Baseball ahead of Monday’s trade deadline. The trade has left Detroit Tigers fans disappointed, while Chicago Cubs supporters also find themselves frustrated, ranking second among the most disappointed fan bases.

The Cubs were among the teams with a strong chance of acquiring Skubal, especially in the early trade rumors surrounding the 29-year-old. Despite a challenging season due to injuries affecting their starting rotation, the Cubs have maintained a lead in the National League Wild Card race. Acquiring Skubal could have boosted the Cubs’ standing as potential top contenders against the Dodgers, who aim for their third consecutive World Series title.

However, it was the Dodgers who strengthened their lineup considerably. The Cubs not only missed out on Skubal but also inadvertently assisted Los Angeles in adding one of baseball’s top pitchers. The Dodgers exchanged prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, and Brady Smith for Skubal. Zyhir Hope, the highest-rated prospect in this deal, was initially drafted by the Cubs in the 2023 MLB June Amateur Draft and later traded to the Dodgers.

Michael Busch, who moved to Chicago as part of a previous trade involving Hope, has been a reliable player for the Cubs. Still, the trade highlights how a former Cubs prospect aided the Dodgers in obtaining a sought-after pitcher.

Adding to the Cubs’ disappointment is the possibility of Skubal making his debut for the Dodgers in an upcoming series in Chicago, starting Monday. This move increases the Dodgers’ chances for a strong postseason run.