Dodgers News: Tarik Skubal-Mets update, LA’s waiver claim, Shoki Oda sweepstakes

The Los Angeles Dodgers surrendered three prospects to acquire Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers at the 2026 trade deadline. Now, after just half a season in Dodger blue, the left-hander could be headed elsewhere.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets have scheduled a meeting with the two-time Cy Young Award winner sometime next week. New York is considered among the favorites to land Skubal, who is also expected to hold multiple meetings with teams in California.

Skubal finished 2026 with a 12-7 record and 2.72 ERA between Detroit and Los Angeles, further strengthening his case for a historic free-agent contract. The Mets certainly have the financial resources to make that happen, having already demonstrated their willingness to spend aggressively with Juan Soto's $765 million deal.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers face an increasingly crowded market for their prized deadline acquisition. With a potential MLB lockout looming on December 1, the pressure is mounting for Los Angeles to make its move before Skubal's sweepstakes reach a boiling point.

Dodgers steal versatile infielder from Mets in first offseason roster move

The Dodgers did officially make their first major league roster move of the offseason this week, though it's not exactly the blockbuster fans might have been expecting.

On Monday, Los Angeles claimed 25-year-old utility infielder Christian Cairo off waivers from the Mets, who designated him for assignment on November 2. Cairo, who has yet to make his MLB debut, has two minor league option years remaining.

Cairo spent the 2026 season at Triple-A, primarily in the Philadelphia Phillies' organization, slashing .230/.381/.300 with four home runs and 25 stolen bases across 130 games. His offensive numbers aren't particularly eye-catching, but his plate discipline certainly is. Cairo drew 92 walks compared to just 76 strikeouts, demonstrating an impressive ability to reach base despite limited power.

Cairo is also remarkably versatile defensively, with experience at shortstop, second base, third base and all three outfield positions. That flexibility could prove valuable for a Dodgers team facing potential changes to its bench, particularly with Miguel Rojas retiring and Kiké Hernández entering free agency.

The waiver claim brings Los Angeles' 40-man roster to 38 players, leaving room for additional offseason acquisitions. It's a relatively minor move, but potentially a savvy depth addition for an organization that has consistently found value around the margins.

Dodgers' pursuit of Shoki Oda gets encouraging update after awkward Yomiuri Giants meeting

The Dodgers might have just received an encouraging sign in the Shoki Oda sweepstakes.

According to Yakyu Cosmopolitan, the Yomiuri Giants met with representatives for the 18-year-old Japanese pitching phenom on Tuesday, but the meeting lasted just 10 minutes — and Oda himself wasn't even present.

Yomiuri selected Oda in the first round of Japan's 2026 NPB Draft despite his previously stated desire to pursue a career in the United States. The Giants remain interested in convincing him to stay in Japan, but their latest attempt doesn't exactly suggest they're making much headway.

That's potentially good news for the Dodgers, who are among approximately a dozen MLB teams pursuing the hard-throwing right-hander.

Oda, whose fastball has reached 97 mph, has already met with several MLB organizations and reportedly intends to complete his meetings by November 17.

Of course, one brief meeting doesn't eliminate Yomiuri from contention, especially since Oda's absence was reportedly related to his school schedule. But for the Dodgers, who have established themselves as a premier destination for Japanese talent, the latest development is another reason to feel optimistic about their chances.

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