Tarik Skubal spoke about his feelings after the Detroit Tigers traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The left handed pitcher described a range of emotions in his first comments following the deal.
Skubal said the trade was not what he expected when the season began. He called the situation a roller coaster. He expressed appreciation for the Tigers organization. Skubal noted that the team believed in him through early career challenges and always had a plan for his development.
The pitcher also spoke about his teammates in Detroit. He said he loves the players in the clubhouse and that many are among his best friends. Leaving them will be difficult. Skubal fought back tears at times while reflecting on his time with the Tigers.
At the same time, Skubal said he is excited to join the Dodgers. He looks forward to meeting his new teammates and competing for championships with the club. The Dodgers sent outfielder Zyhir Hope and right handed pitchers River Ryan and Brady Smith to Detroit in exchange for Skubal.
Skubal is a two time American League Cy Young Award winner. He has been a key starter for the Tigers. The trade occurred ahead of the MLB trade deadline. The Dodgers added him to strengthen their pitching staff for the rest of the season and the postseason.
In his comments, Skubal balanced gratitude for his past with the Tigers and anticipation for the next chapter. He repeatedly noted the mix of feelings involved in the sudden change of teams. The comments came in interviews shortly after the trade was reported and confirmed.
The deal moves Skubal from the American League Central to the National League West. He will now pitch for a Dodgers team that has been among the top contenders in recent seasons.