The acquisition of Tarik Skubal made the Los Angeles Dodgers the biggest headline of the 2026 MLB Trade Deadline. Landing a pitcher who owns a 2.67 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 110 strikeouts in 90 innings, a 2.58 FIP, 2.55 xERA, and 5.9 fWAR is the kind of move very few organizations could match. On paper, the Dodgers added the best starting pitcher available while reinforcing a rotation that was already loaded with elite talent.

However, while the arrival of the left-hander addresses one of the club's biggest needs, several key questions remain that could ultimately determine Los Angeles' fate once October arrives.

The rotation still depends on staying healthy

If there's one thing that has defined the Dodgers over the past several seasons, it's the incredible amount of talent in their starting rotation. The issue has rarely been quality it has been availability.

Los Angeles enters this stretch with a stellar 3.11 team ERA and a 3.74 FIP from its starting staff, numbers that rank among the best in Major League Baseball according to FanGraphs. Yet injuries and workload management have constantly forced manager Dave Roberts to reshuffle his plans.

Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell (who has made just one start in 2026), Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, Emmet Sheehan, and Justin Wrobleski have all dealt with health concerns or limitations throughout the season.

In that context, Skubal provides a legitimate ace capable of leading the rotation. Still, no single starter can compensate for multiple injuries. If the Dodgers want their rotation to become their biggest weapon in pursuit of another World Series title, staying healthy will remain just as important as having elite talent.

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The bullpen still has something to prove

Another area that continues to raise questions is the bullpen. Although Edwin Díaz returned from the injured list in late July after undergoing surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow, bringing back one of baseball's most experienced late-inning relievers, the Dodgers' bullpen still owns a 4.08 ERA and a 3.85 FIP, according to Covers.com. Those numbers suggest a level of inconsistency compared to the dominance displayed by the starting rotation.

The concern isn't centered solely on Díaz, who recorded a save shortly after returning. Instead, it's about whether the relief corps has enough depth to consistently handle high-pressure postseason situations.

Last October, Dave Roberts frequently relied on starting pitchers in relief during critical playoff games, a strategy that ultimately paid off. However, expecting lightning to strike twice is far from guaranteed, especially if the rotation remains healthy and forces the coaching staff to redefine bullpen roles.

Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott provide quality options alongside Díaz, but there's still a lingering question about whether the defending champions have enough proven late-inning arms to navigate the toughest postseason moments.

Catcher remains an unresolved position

While most of the attention has focused on Skubal, another important question remains behind the plate. Will Smith continues to recover on the 60-day injured list after suffering inflammation in a cervical disc in early June. Although he has resumed baseball activities and is progressing well, the organization has shown no intention of rushing his return, prioritizing having him fully healthy for October.

Adding to the uncertainty is Dalton Rushing's injury, which forced the front office to acquire Ben Rortvedt and Hunter Feduccia before the trade deadline. Both players provide valuable depth, but they appear better suited to covering an emergency than serving as the primary catching solution throughout the stretch run and postseason.

The catching position becomes even more significant with a rotation featuring pitchers with different styles and strengths, making game-calling and communication behind the plate crucial during a short playoff series.

Skubal boosts the Dodgers, but questions remain

Tarik Skubal couldn't have arrived at a more important time. Dodgers are currently enduring their first five-game losing streak of the season and have posted a 13-15 record since July 1, exposing several weaknesses that extend beyond the starting rotation.

While adding one of baseball's premier pitchers immediately strengthens Los Angeles' championship aspirations, the biggest challenge over the coming weeks will be determining whether the bullpen, the health of the rotation, and the catching situation can keep pace with the blockbuster acquisition.

Only then will it become clear whether the Dodgers' biggest move of the trade deadline is enough to maintain their status as World Series favorites.

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