Projecting the Dodgers starting rotation if they acquire Tarik Skubal

The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be among the most aggressive buyers before the MLB trade deadline, and one name continues to surface above the rest: Tarik Skubal.

Speculation surrounding a blockbuster deal intensified after MLB insider Jon Morosi said on MLB Tonight that he believes the Dodgers have the best chance of acquiring the Detroit Tigers ace. Shortly afterward, MLB Network shared a projected Dodgers rotation on X that shows just how dominant Los Angeles could become if the trade comes together.

Adding Skubal wouldn’t just strengthen the Dodgers—it could give them arguably the most talented rotation in baseball.

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MLB Network Envisions a Loaded Rotation

If Skubal lands in Los Angeles, MLB Network projects the Dodgers’ starting rotation as:

Tarik Skubal

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Blake Snell

Shohei Ohtani

Tyler Glasnow

On paper, it’s a group loaded with frontline talent and Cy Young-caliber arms. Skubal would immediately slot in as one of the staff’s anchors alongside Yamamoto, while Snell, Ohtani, and Glasnow would give Los Angeles unmatched depth if everyone is healthy.

The projection also highlights just how high the Dodgers’ ceiling could be entering October.

Health Remains the Biggest Question

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 As impressive as that rotation looks, there are still important injury concerns.

Blake Snell (elbow) and Tyler Glasnow (back) are both currently on the injured list. Ohtani also has no timetable to return to the mound this season, leaving uncertainty surrounding how the rotation will ultimately look later this season.

That’s one reason Skubal has become such an appealing trade target. His addition would provide another dependable ace regardless of how quickly the Dodgers’ injured starters return.

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Dodgers Positioned for Another Blockbuster

The Dodgers have never been afraid to make aggressive moves when a championship is within reach, and acquiring Skubal would fit that philosophy perfectly.

With Jon Morosi identifying Los Angeles as the favorite to land the Tigers’ star left-hander, the trade rumors are only expected to intensify as the deadline approaches.

Whether a deal ultimately happens remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: if the Dodgers succeed in landing Skubal, their projected rotation would instantly become one of the most intimidating in Major League Baseball and could make them even bigger favorites to win the World Series.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →