Skubal to Dodgers Tops MLB Trade Deadline Deals
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- Tarik Skubal was dealt to the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night for outfielder Zyhir Hope, right-hander River Ryan, and right-hander Brady Smith, making him the biggest name on the move before Monday's 6 p.m. ET deadline.
- The Minnesota Twins emerged as the most aggressive buyer, landing both starting pitcher Dean Kremer from Baltimore and lefty reliever A.J. Minter from the Mets — absorbing roughly $5.5 million under new controlling owner Tom Pohland's win-now push.
- The Tampa Bay Rays acquired right-hander Freddy Peralta from the Mets while the Chicago Cubs added right-hander Kevin Gausman from the Blue Jays, as contenders fortified their rotations.
- The New York Yankees added infielder Luis Garcia Jr. from Washington in exchange for four right-handed pitchers: Yovanny Cruz, Jake Bird, Ben Grable, and Jack Cebert.
- The San Diego Padres checked in on high-priced first baseman Rafael Devers — who is still owed $211 million over seven years — but their priority is starting pitching, with GM A.J. Preller a known wildcard at the deadline.
- The Seattle Mariners listened on starters George Kirby, Emerson Hancock, and Luis Castillo, ultimately trading Castillo to the Chicago White Sox for Seranthony Dominguez, Nolan Jones, and catching prospect Boston Smith.
- Dodgers president Andrew Friedman said Skubal was the team's "one target" and called another major league addition unlikely, though lefty Eric Lauer and outfielder Alex Call are expected to be dealt for smaller returns.
Why it matters: The deadline reshapes the playoff race: the Dodgers adding Skubal makes the two-time defending champs even more imposing, while surprise buyers like the Twins — absorbing roughly $5.5M under new owner Tom Pohland — signal a sudden win-now push. With the Cubs, Rays, and Braves all adding arms, Monday's remaining moves could decide both pennants.
