RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesAs the MLB trade deadline draws closer, all eyes remain on Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner is widely considered the best pitcher in baseball, making him the most coveted player expected to be available.
While several teams have checked in on the superstar left-hander, five clubs appear to be the favorites: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers.
No matter where Skubal lands, he would immediately become the ace of the staff. Here’s a look at how each contender’s rotation could stack up if they successfully pull off the blockbuster trade. These projections assume every pitcher is healthy and do not account for any players who might be sent to Detroit in the deal.
MORE: One player every MLB team will trade at the 2026 trade deadline
Los Angeles Dodgers
Mar 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) looks on while walking to the dugout after the sixth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Dodgers are viewed by many as the favorites to land Skubal, and adding him would give them arguably the most talented rotation in baseball. A projected group of Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani, and Tyler Glasnow would feature five pitchers capable of dominating any lineup in a postseason series. They also have Roski Sasaki, who has seen an increase in velocity and results lately.
Philadelphia Phillies
Aug 10, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Philadelphia already has one of the strongest rotations in baseball, but adding Skubal could put the Phillies in a class of their own. The projected rotation would feature Tarik Skubal, Cristopher Sánchez, Zack Wheeler, Jesús Luzardo, and either Aaron Nola or Andrew Painter , giving the club incredible depth and multiple legitimate Game 1 starters.
MORE: 5 MLB pitchers who will be traded before the trade deadline
Tampa Bay Rays
Apr 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images The Rays have consistently built winning teams around elite pitching, and Skubal would only strengthen that identity. Their projected rotation would consist of Tarik Skubal, Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez, Shane McClanahan, and either Ian Seymour or Griffin Jax , creating another dangerous staff capable of making a deep postseason run.
Atlanta Braves
Sep 22, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale (51) throws against the Washington Nationals in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Atlanta could pair Skubal with former Cy Young winner Chris Sale , giving the Braves one of the best one-two punches in baseball. Behind them would be Martín Pérez, Bryce Elder, and either Reynaldo Lopez or Grant Holmes , giving Atlanta a rotation with both top-end talent and reliable depth.
Milwaukee Brewers
Jun 19, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski (32) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images The Brewers have assembled an impressive collection of young arms, and Skubal would immediately become the veteran ace leading the group. A projected rotation of Tarik Skubal, Jacob Misiorowski, Kyle Harrison, Logan Henderson, and one of Brandon Sproat, Robert Gasser, or Shane Drohan would blend elite talent with exciting long-term potential.
Game Changing Move
Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal celebrates striking out Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh I the sixth inning of ALDS Game 5 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Wherever Skubal ultimately lands, he’ll instantly elevate that team’s championship chances. The Dodgers may currently be viewed as the frontrunners, but the Phillies, Rays, Braves, and Brewers all have the pieces to build one of baseball’s most formidable rotations if they’re able to land the biggest prize of this year’s trade deadline.
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