The Tigers have traded ace pitcher Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers, ending his time in Motown.
The deal, which was expected over the past week, saw the Tigers receive outfielder Zyhir Hope, right-handers River Ryan, and Brady Smith in exchange for Skubal. Sources confirmed the trade to Yahoo Sports.
Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, finishes his tenure in Detroit with a 61-42 record, a 3.04 ERA, and 1,0005 strikeouts in 150 starts. He leaves behind a legacy of two All-Star appearances and two Cy Young Awards.
The trade was a necessity for the Tigers, who were in a no-win situation after their dreadful start to the season. With Skubal set to walk as a free agent in two months, the team had to move him to avoid losing him without getting any value in return.
Skubal's departure is a significant blow to the Tigers, who had built their season around his performance. However, the team hopes to replace him with the incoming River Ryan, who has an electric arm and should slot into the rotation as soon as this year.
Ryan, 27, has been working his way back from a hamstring strain and has been praised for his elite stuff. He is expected to be a major part of the Tigers' rotation down the stretch.
The Tigers also acquired outfielder Zyhir Hope, who is currently the No. 25 prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline. Hope, 21, has crushed 23 homers across 94 Double-A games this year and is expected to compete for a spot in the Tigers' outfield next spring.
Brady Smith, the third player acquired in the trade, is a right-hander who will likely slot into the Tigers' bullpen.
The trade has left the Tigers with a void to fill, but the team is hopeful that the incoming players will help them rebuild their rotation and outfield.
The Tigers' season has been drifting away from their goal of making the postseason, and the trade of Skubal is a clear indication that the team is rebuilding for the future.
Source: Yahoo Sports