The old adage “the rich get richer” is a term often applied to the Los Angeles Dodgers in baseball circles on the internet, and its use may not cease any time soon. 

After achieving consecutive World Series titles, the Dodgers made one of the biggest moves of the offseason so far by signing three-time All-Star closer Edwin Díaz to a three-year, $69 million contract during the Winter Meetings in December. Now, they might be trying to reel in an even bigger fish. 

According to ESPN’s “Bold 2026 MLB predictions: World Series picks, trades, more,” the outlet believes Los Angeles may trade for back-to-back American League Cy Young award winner and Detroit Tigers ace, Tarik Skubal. 

“For several reasons -- from the rarity of a three-peat to the potential for a new economic landscape starting in 2027 -- the Dodgers will surely push all their chips to the middle of the table in their quest for another title,” it wrote. “They can even afford to trade for Skubal as a rental if the move leads them to a third straight championship, whereas just about any other team would need to immediately sign him to a long-term deal in order to justify giving up the prospects it will undoubtedly take to land a back-to-back Cy Young Award winner.”  

“If the Tigers fall out of the race, L.A. simply makes too much sense as a landing spot for Skubal -- that is assuming he's not traded in the coming weeks.” 

Reports coming out of the Winter Meeting by MLB.com illustrated no progress being made between Skubal and his current team on a contract extension.  

“The Tigers and Tarik Skubal have shown no reported progress on a contract extension,” Jason Beck of MLB.com wrote. “But there appears to be no deadline on talks heading into what would be the two-time Cy Young winner’s contract year.” 

Skubal’s accomplishments have certainly put him in position to become one of baseball’s highest-paid stars. Yet, it is unknown if the Tigers — who have the No. 15 tax payroll in Major League Baseball — are willing to shell out what it will cost to retain Skubal. 

However, as ESPN notes, the Dodgers could take a leap of faith in acquiring Skubal for the chance to lift The Commissioner’s Trophy for the third year in a row. Given the front office’s track record of acquiring the best talent in the sport while being unabashedly brave in spending, the chance of Skubal ending up in a Dodgers jersey cannot be overlooked. 

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