Dodgers acquire pitcher Tarik Skubal, president Friedman addresses criticism
Los Angeles completed a trade for former Detroit Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and announced his debut against the Chicago Cubs, while Dodgers president Andrew Friedman dismissed claims the team harms baseball.
Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed the acquisition of right-hander Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers, unveiling his No. 29 jersey during Sunday’s game at Dodger Stadium. The team said Skubal will make his first appearance for the Dodgers on Tuesday at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs, a matchup some view as a preview of potential postseason competition.
Dodgers president Andrew Friedman told reporters the trade was not driven by an immediate roster need but by the opportunity to add a "star-level" player who could improve the club’s championship prospects. "Whenever there’s a star-level player that is available that can really shift championship odds, those are moments that we’ll be more aggressive," Friedman said.
Addressing criticism that the Dodgers’ aggressive spending and talent accumulation damage the sport, Friedman rejected the notion, stating, "Passionately disagree."