Tarik Skubal Fuels Dodgers Extension Speculation With “First of Many” Remark During NL West Division Celebration

Tarik Skubal joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in August through a trade from the Detroit Tigers.

Tarik Skubal Fuels Dodgers Extension Speculation With “First of Many” Remark During NL West Division Celebration

Tarik Skubal (Image via X/@JustBB_Media)

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Dodgers were officially crowned champions of the NL West Division once again. The LA-based side clinched their 13th division title in the last 14 years following an 8-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. During the celebration, Tarik Skubal sparked speculation regarding a potential contract extension with a “first of many” comment.

The 2-time American League Cy Young Award winner is in the final year of his deal and is expected to become a free agent after the end of this season. In August, he was the biggest trade acquisition this year, as he was traded from the Detroit Tigers to the Dodgers.

Following a shaky start, the southpaw seems to have found his rhythm again. In the series opener on Monday, he threw 7 scoreless innings and gave up just 3 hits.

This saw him lower his season ERA to 2.70 in 24 games. The Dodgers ended up winning that game 4-1. After a 4-0 win on Tuesday, the 2-time defending champions fell 6-2 on Wednesday.

Thursday saw their offense provide run support once again. An 8-2 win on the road saw them win a 5th successive division title and continue their dominance in the NL West.

Skubal, who started the season with the Tigers, is now an NL West champion with the Dodgers. During the celebrations in the locker room, he was asked about his feelings. The 29-year-old expressed that it was a special moment to celebrate with his teammates and that it would be the “first of many.”

It’s a ton of fun to celebrate these moments with these guys. It’s gonna be special. It’s gonna be the first of many.

Tarik Skubal told Kirsten Watson

Now, there are some layers to this comment from Skubal. If the Dodgers progress further, they will have more such celebrations. They could potentially celebrate winning the NLDS, the NLCS, and the World Series as they look to complete a historic three-peat.

However, his impending free agency adds another layer to his comment. With him set to become a free agent, his comment has fueled speculation about whether he could remain with the team beyond the 2026 season.

Skubal is expected to land a deal around $400 million. As of now, the largest contract given to a starting pitcher belongs to his Dodgers teammate, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who signed a 12-year, $325 million deal in December 2023.

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Tarik Skubal seen taking part in Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s intense training method

It’s been over a month since Tarik Skubal stunned the MLB world and joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade. He seems to have taken a liking to his fellow Dodgers starters and has become good friends with Blake Snell. On Thursday, before the game against the Cincinnati Reds, he was seen throwing javelins in training with Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Tarik Skubal and Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Tarik Skubal and Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Image via X/@Punchoutpitch/Imago)

Yamamoto is known for his unconventional training regimen with his trainer. One of them involves javelin throwing.

The 2025 World Series MVP uses this method to build lower-body power and reduce strain on his elbow. Earlier this year, Skubal underwent surgery on his left elbow to remove loose bodies.

The pitcher seems to have taken an interest in Yamamoto’s training method. He was spotted throwing a javelin in the outfield with the Japanese international and his trainer and translator looking on.

Skubal did have some huge praise for Yamamoto earlier. A few days after joining the team, he lauded the preparation efforts of his teammate.

Yoshi’s (Yoshinobu Yamamoto) process is nuts too, you know. I think that what he does is insane too, and watching his bullpens, the preparation is second to none.

Tarik Skubal said as per Dodgers Nation

Only time will tell what Skubal’s future holds. For now, he will look to finish the regular season on a high before getting ready for the postseason.

With a 93-60 record, the Dodgers are 4 games ahead of the Atlanta Braves for the No.2 seed in the National League. This would give them a bye and place them directly into the NLDS instead of playing in the Wild Card Series.

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