When the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Tarik Skubal at the 2026 trade deadline, they reignited a familiar debate in baseball circles: the impact of their success on the sport. However, Skubal himself contests this notion. Addressing the media while the team traveled, Skubal emphasized that Los Angeles should not be blamed for its efforts to succeed.
“Every team could trade for me,” Skubal stated. I don’t sympathize with people who criticize the Dodgers. It’s a winning organization… I don’t empathize with those who complain because the Dodgers always make the right moves.
Skubal, now a Dodger, was seen in the dugout during a game against the Boston Red Sox on August 2, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)
Having earned consecutive AL Cy Young Awards in 2024 and 2025, Skubal joined the Dodgers with an impressive 2.79 ERA and 116 strikeouts over 16 starts. His first appearance as a Dodger is scheduled for Tuesday at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs. Skubal appreciates what winning entails, and he sees merit in the Dodgers’ methodology.
A photograph from the Los Angeles Times captures Skubal greeting teammate Andy Pages during an MLB game against the Boston Red Sox at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium. (Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Another image shows Skubal observing the game from the dugout on the same day. (Getty Images)
Skubal’s insights touch on a recurring argument in baseball regarding the Dodgers’ acquisitions sparking demands for a salary cap. This suggestion perceives a salary cap as a solution, which is misleading.
The idea of instituting a salary cap seems illogical outside the realm of sports. Consumers aren’t inclined to wish for reduced corporate spending or lower salaries. Likewise, people don’t request that movie studios slash budgets for blockbusters to level the playing field for smaller films. In baseball, fans often align with team owners to advocate for limiting player salaries in the guise of fairness.
However, a salary cap does not transform struggling teams into proficient ones. It does not enhance drafting skill, talent development, or winning culture-building. Instead, it allows parsimonious teams to justify evading efforts needed to become legitimate competitors.
As Skubal highlighted, Los Angeles didn’t rely on a secret strategy to secure him. Every MLB team had equal chances. The Dodgers excelled in drafting, developing trade assets, and prioritizing victories. Rather than penalizing the Dodgers, other teams should aim to replicate their achievements.
Rather than requesting MLB to curb excellence, fans ought to challenge their teams’ management to strive for greatness.