What happened: Two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal joins the reigning back-to-back champions. He was acquired Saturday night and is owed about $9.5 million for the rest of 2026.
Why it matters: The move strengthens a rotation that entered Sunday with an MLB-best 3.36 ERA. The club is pursuing the first World Series three-peat since 1998-2000.
By the numbers: Skubal is 7-5 with a 2.79 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 96 2/3 innings this season. He owns a 2.04 ERA across six postseason starts.
What to watch: Skubal's first start and place in the postseason rotation are the next markers.