Bombshell statement: "If I become a free agent, I want to return to my original team; I hope they will negotiate with me again."

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Tarik Skubal (30), the top left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) who recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers via a trade, has shocked fans with his bombshell statement that he wants to return to his original team, the Detroit Tigers, after this season ends.

According to local media outlets including MLB.com, the official website of MLB, on the 8th (Korean time), Skubal appeared on a recent podcast and expressed deep affection for his former team, saying, "I want to spend most of my playing career in Detroit. I truly, sincerely want that."

Skubal dominated the American League Cy Young Award for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025, establishing himself as the league's top ace. Earlier this month, just before the trade deadline, he made a surprise move from Detroit to the Dodgers.

Detroit, whose chances of reaching the postseason had become slim, secured its future by receiving three promising prospects in exchange for Skubal. Meanwhile, the Dodgers, aiming for their third consecutive World Series title, significantly strengthened their pitching staff by acquiring Skubal.

Joining a championship contender might seem like a good move for any player. However, it appears that deep down, Skubal still harbors significant regret and longing for Detroit.

Skubal, who will gain free agent (FA) status after this season, emphasized, "I hope negotiations will resume in November when the postseason concludes," adding, "I expect the Detroit organization to actively participate in the FA negotiation process. I really want to return to my original team."

Skubal revealed that he had never predicted he would become a trade asset, as he initially believed Detroit would remain competitive in the playoff race this season.

He said, "During the offseason before the season started, after seeing the players the team signed and the new roster they built, I was convinced 'our team (Detroit) is a World Series champion.' I believed that with my Detroit teammates, we could defeat any opponent and reach the pinnacle of the World Series. That's why I never dreamed this season would unfold in this direction," expressing his disappointment.

Ultimately, as Detroit fell to fourth place in the American League Central Division, Skubal's trade became a reality.

Skubal also openly shared his emotions while saying goodbye to his beloved teammates after the trade was finalized. On the 30th, during a game against the Baltimore Orioles, he pitched 6⅔ innings allowing three earned runs and received a standing ovation from home fans as he left the mound. This game marked the end of his tenure with the Detroit uniform he had grown to love.

Skubal recalled, "When I started saying goodbye to my teammates, tears poured out. My closest friends were right there in that dugout." He added, "I really dislike crying and rarely cry, but when the moment of parting arrived, I couldn't hold back my tears. It was an incredibly difficult moment filled with countless emotions."

Although he still misses Detroit, Skubal remained a professional. Regarding his life with his current team, the Dodgers, he said, "There were many things that happened during the trade process, and it was a difficult time. However, coming to Los Angeles is also something I am truly happy and grateful for."

Meanwhile, in his debut game with the Dodgers on the 5th against the Chicago Cubs, Skubal pitched six innings allowing four hits (one home run) and two earned runs, but he took the loss due to lack of offensive support.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original