Tigers surprising DFA could save Dodgers from making one costly trade deadline move

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers seem to be joined at the hip of late, mostly due to the constant trade rumors involving two-time Cy Young Award-winner Tarik Skubal. But the Tigers made a surprising roster move on Tuesday that may help the Dodgers address a growing area of concern without making a deal at the deadline.

Detroit activated Javier Baez off the 60-day injured list, but in order to clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the Tigers designated catcher Jake Rogers for assignment. The 31-year-old backstop has been a fixture behind the plate in the Motor City for the past six seasons, but he's likely to have a new home in the coming days.

With Will Smith on the injured list, catcher has become an area of concern for the Dodgers, and number of experts and pundits believe they'll add a backstop at the deadline.

Dalton Rushing's up-and-down 2026 season has been well chronicled, and while Dave Roberts and the Dodgers coaching staff still believe in their young catcher, LA's depth at the position is questionable at best.

Dodgers could add Jake Rogers after surprising Tigers' DFA

Rogers is known more for his defense behind the dish than his production in the batter's box. With Dillon Dingler in place as the Tigers' primary catcher, Rogers has only appeared in 34 games. He's hitting just .161/.266/.301 with three home runs and nine RBI on the season.

Adding Rogers would also be a fun precursor to Los Angeles' pursuit of Skubal at the deadline. The battery mates are well acquainted with with each other, and it could be a nice way to make Skubal feel at home if the Dodgers decide to make a splash at the trade deadline.

If the Dodgers wish to acquire Rogers, however, hoping he passes through waivers would be an unwise strategy. LA isn't the only club looking to pick up a catcher before the deadline. In fact, recent reporting suggested three teams in the American League East — New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays — have made catcher a priority at the deadline.

If the Dodgers miss out on Rogers, Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson is assumed to be available. Outside of that, however, the market at the position is extremely thin.

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