The Los Angeles Dodgers are enduring a pretty rough skid in MLB right now. They have lost seven straight games and now hold just a 7.5-game lead in the NL West.
Following their massive trade for Tarik Skubal, the next huge storyline surrounding the ace starter becomes his looming free agency.
In a series of interesting comments on the popular podcast’Pardon My Take’, Skubal reveals that he would love for Detroit to be involved in his looming free agency, and Skubal hopes they take part in the negotiations.
Well, former MLB GM Steve Phillips recently made an interesting statement regarding Skubal’s agent and what he needs to do to proverbially ‘shut’ Skubal up.
Who is Tarik Skubal’s agent? None other than the notorious Scott Boras.
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‘Put a Muzzle On Him’ Says Former GM Steve Phillips on Tarik Skubal
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 04: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning in his Dodgers debut at Wrigley Field on August 04, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Former GM Steve Phillips, who is now an analyst on MLB Network, did not hold back on Tarik Skubal’s agent by saying, ‘They gotta put a muzzle on him’.
The Los Angeles Dodgers likely aren’t too pleased with Skubal’s comments about his looming free agency, as LA plans to make a push to ink him to a lucrative extension.
However, is Tarik Skubal an animal? I don’t really think so. Skubal’s comments could very well be an attempt to drive his value up by getting more potential suitors in the mix.
The following Instagram post reads:
“Tarik Skubal says he’s open to a reunion with the Tigers in free agency, stating he’s hopeful “those negotiations can pick back up once the playoffs are done.”
Are these comments by Steve Phillips fair or foul??
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Looking at Tarik Skubal This Season
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 04: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field on August 04, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Despite missing a month with an elbow issue, Tarik Skubal is still clearly at the top of his game and remains the best pitcher in MLB.
Across 102.2 IP this season, Skubal has an ERA of 2.81 with 122 strikeouts.
He will be a major part of the Dodgers’ quest for a 3-peat this Fall.
As for Tarik Skubal’s looming free agency, he is likely looking at the largest MLB contract ever handed out to a pitcher, regardless of what he says to external media outlets.
The back-to-back CY Young would be a clear candidate to win the illustrious pitching away this season if it hadn’t been for his injury.
The Dodgers figure to be squarely in the running, but expect some outside competition from other teams (perhaps the Detroit Tigers), like the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Francisco Giants.
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