Red Sox's overpay for Adley Rutschman puts Dodgers' Tarik Skubal trade into perspective

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ blockbuster trade for Tarik Skubal was widely viewed as a steal from the moment it was announced. L.A. landed the two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner without surrendering either of its two best prospects, making Detroit’s return look surprisingly light for the most valuable pitcher available.

Then the Boston Red Sox traded for Adley Rutschman and made the Dodgers’ bargain look even better.

Los Angeles sent Detroit three prospects ranked among the top 17 in its system: outfielder Zyhir Hope (No. 5), right-hander River Ryan (No. 7) and right-hander Brady Smith (No. 17). Hope and Ryan also ranked among MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects. It was unquestionably a significant price for a pitcher eligible for free agency after the season. Compared with Boston’s package, however, the Dodgers’ gamble suddenly looks far more reasonable.

The Red Sox surrendered their Nos. 2, 4 and 5 prospects — Anthony Eyanson, Kyson Witherspoon and Enddy Azocar — along with major league catcher Carlos Narváez and a player to be named later. Eyanson was also MLB Pipeline’s No. 49 overall prospect. Boston paid that enormous price for Rutschman and backup catcher Jake Rogers.

Red Sox's Adley Rutschman trade makes Dodgers' Tarik Skubal price look even more reasonable

Rutschman remains a recognizable name and a meaningful upgrade behind the plate, but the player Boston acquired is not the same player who appeared headed toward superstardom in 2022 and 2023.

He produced 5.5 fWAR in 2023, then fell to 2.7 in 2024 and 1.2 during an injury-shortened 2025 season. He has rebounded to 2.3 fWAR this year, batting .251/.331/.433 with eight home runs in 67 games, but he is currently on the injured list with left wrist inflammation. This is already his third IL stint of the season.

Skubal, meanwhile, is the two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner. He joined the Dodgers with a 2.79 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 116 strikeouts in 16 starts. Los Angeles paid for the best pitcher available and perhaps the most intimidating postseason starter in baseball.

It bears mentioning that Rutschman is under team control through 2027, while Skubal is a rental. That extra year is significant, especially with a potential scarcity at catcher.

Still, Boston surrendered three top-five prospects, an MLB catcher and another future piece for an injured player who has not exceeded 3.0 fWAR since 2023. The Dodgers gave up less organizational talent for a reigning back-to-back Cy Young winner who directly improves their chances of winning a third consecutive championship.

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