Tarik Skubal is out, three prospects are in.
The Tigers will get three of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ top 20 prospects in a blockbuster deal that went down late Saturday night, ahead of Monday’s much-anticipated trade deadline, The News’ Chris McCosky confirmed.
The prospects come from one of the most highly regarded farm systems in the game.
Here’s a quick look at the Tigers’ return for Skubal:
Who is Zyhir Hope?
Age: 21
Position: Outfielder
Drafted: 11th round, 2023, Cubs
His story: He’s having an absolutely monster season for the Dodgers’ Double-A affiliate in Tulsa, Okla., with 23 home runs and 87 RBIs. He’s slashing .293/.369/.530 for an OPS of .899. Hope has struck out 106 times and walked 45 times. He also has stolen 18 bases. Hope, who bats left-handed and is “built like a running back” at 5-foot-10 and 193 pounds, according to an MLB.com scouting report, is the No. 25-ranked prospect in the game, according to MLB Pipeline’s latest analysis. The Dodgers acquired him in a trade with the Cubs in January 2024. He’s ranked No. 5 in the Dodgers’ system, according to MLB Pipeline.
Who is River Ryan?
Age: 27
Position: Right-handed pitcher
Drafted: 11th round, 2021, Padres
His story: Acquired by the Dodgers in March 2022, he made his major-league debut with four starts in 2024, and had a 1.77 ERA in those four start. In August 2024, he was lost to Tommy John surgery and he missed all of 2025. He returned this season and has been pitching for the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City. In just eight starts this year, he has a 4.95 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 36.1 innings, with eight walks. Per MLB.com’s scouting report, his fastball hits 100 mph, and he has a tight slider. Ryan, 6-2 and 195, was No. 7 in the Dodgers’ system, according to MLB Pipeline. He’s been battling a hamstring injury lately.
Who is Brady Smith?
Age: 21
Position: Right-handed pitcher
Drafted: Third round, 2023, Dodgers
His story: He recently was promoted to the Great Lakes Loons, the Dodgers’ High-A affiliate in Midland. He’s made two starts for Great Lakes, including a good one his last time out. In Low-A ball this year, he was 0-6 with a 3.88 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 65 innings, with 27 walks. He struck out a career-high 11 in a late-June start. Per MLB.com’s scouts, his change-up is his best pitch, and the fastball can reach mid-90s. Smith had Tommy John surgery in 2024, right after being drafted in 2023. Smith, 6-2 and 170 pounds was No. 17 in the Dodgers’ system, per MLB Pipeline.
tpaul@detroitnews.com
@tonypaul1984
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Who did Tigers get for Tarik Skubal? A look at the three prospects
Reporting by Tony Paul, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tony Paul, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
