Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher Tyler Glasnow has publicly expressed his admiration for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, adding significant fuel to the ongoing Major League Baseball trade speculation. Glasnow's candid comments, made during a media session in Los Angeles on Monday, December 16, 2025, have set the baseball world abuzz about a potential blockbuster move.
Glasnow's 'Dream' Pitch for Skubal
Speaking openly to reporters, Tyler Glasnow did not hold back his enthusiasm about the possibility of teaming up with the Detroit Tigers left-hander. "I think it'd be sick if we went out and got him," Glasnow stated emphatically. He went on to lavish praise on Skubal's abilities, calling him "one of the most unbelievable pitchers I've ever seen."
Glasnow also highlighted the Los Angeles Dodgers' clubhouse culture, which prioritises personality alongside performance. "The Dodgers are really big on signing guys who have plus personalities," he explained. In his view, Skubal would be "a perfect fit" and the prospect of sharing a rotation with him would be "kind of a dream." These remarks have resonated widely, given the existing league rumours connecting the Dodgers to the Tigers' star.
The High-Stakes Scenario for Skubal and the Tigers
The trade talk surfaces at a critical juncture in Tarik Skubal's career. The two-time Cy Young Award winner is coming off another dominant season and is under contract with Detroit only through the 2026 season. The Tigers face uncertainty about their ability to afford his next contract, which, according to ESPN, could approach a staggering $400 million once he hits free agency.
Such a figure would place Skubal among the highest-paid pitchers in MLB history. This financial reality has forced Detroit to listen to trade offers from across the league. However, a deal is far from imminent.
Why a Trade is Complicated
MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today provided a crucial update, tempering immediate expectations. He reported that the Detroit Tigers are unlikely to rush a decision before the 2026 season begins. The organisation reportedly wants to assess its playoff chances next year before considering moving its ace.
"The Tigers will trade Skubal only if they get completely blown away," Nightengale wrote. A major hurdle is the issue of value. Any team acquiring Skubal before free agency would be guaranteed only one full season of his services (2026), making teams hesitant to part with a massive haul of prospects. Nightengale suggested a trade might only materialise sooner if a team is prepared to offer an extension worth close to $450 million immediately.
For now, Tarik Skubal remains a Detroit Tiger, and the Los Angeles Dodgers, along with other contenders, are watching the situation closely. Glasnow's public endorsement has undoubtedly turned up the heat, but the complex financial and competitive dynamics mean fans will have to wait to see if this pitching 'dream' becomes a reality.
