How the Cubs unintentionally helped the Dodgers land Tarik Skubal in blockbuster trade deadline move

Bret Boone says he's jealous of current MLB players access to film and analytics.

The Los Angeles Dodgers' acquisition of ace pitcher Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers has sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball ahead of Monday's trade deadline.

While Tigers fans are understandably the most bent out of shape over the back-to-back Cy Young winner getting shipped out of town, fans of the Chicago Cubs have to be No. 2 on the list of most-frustrated fan bases.

The Cubs were among the many teams that appeared to have a legitimate chance of acquiring Skubal, especially during the early stages of the trade rumors involving the 29-year-old. Chicago's starting rotation has been decimated by injuries in 2026, but the team has managed to grab hold of the top spot in the National League Wild Card race.

DODGERS REPORTEDLY ACQUIRE ACE TARIK SKUBAL FROM TIGERS IN TRADE THAT STIRS UP MLB WORLD

Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Izzy Rincon/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Adding Skubal, even with the fact that he is expected to hit free agency following the season, could have thrust the Cubs into the conversation as the top contender in the National League to potentially take down the Dodgers in their quest to win three straight World Series.

Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer answers questions during a news conference at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, in Chicago. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Instead, the Dodgers got significantly stronger with the postseason fast approaching, and not only did the Cubs fail