Tarik Skubal dont really sympathize with Dodgers haters after MLB-altering trade

CHICAGO –– The newest member of the Dodgers wore blue sweatpants, a cut-off blue hoodie, and a blue “LA” branded headband as he discussed joining the organization for the first time on Monday.Tarik Skubal, the reigning two-time Cy Young Award winner and marquee trade acquisition from the Detroit Tigers this week, spent the better part of 15 minutes inside a stadium club at Wrigley Field answering questions about his blockbuster move, describing his excitement to join the Dodgers despite his emotional exit from the Tigers on Saturday.“There’s a lot of emotion,” Skubal said in his first press availability since joining his new team.“I spent eight years with the Detroit Tigers, and that place will always be special to me no matter what.

But in the same breath, I’m excited to be here, I’m excited to compete with these guys.And when you watch them from across the way, or just see them do their thing on TV, you just have a lot of respect, because they play the game the right way.”Indeed, Skubal went on to praise how “the entire focus of this organization is on winning championships,” how he hopes to aid them in their quest for a third-straight World Series, and the “honor” he took in arriving with such lofty expectations.“That pressure has always been a privilege to me,” Skubal said.

“It’s what fuels me.It’s motivates me to be great.”The spotlight on Skubal, of course, has been growing for several years now, thanks to his unexpected ascension from a late-blooming ninth-round draft pick to arguably the most dominant pitcher currently in the game.Still, the scrutiny only figures to grow now.Because he’s coming to Los Angeles.

Because he was the most coveted player at this year’s deadline.And because he’s joining a Dodgers franchise that continues to be painted by many as villains of the sport –– their addition of Skubal only enflaming such narratives.“Every team could trade for me, every team could make that acquisit...