The reigning back-to-back AL Cy Young winner is drawing interest from the Dodgers, Mets, Padres and others while the Cubs say they will watch from the sidelines.
Tarik Skubal is about to become the most expensive pitcher any team has ever signed, and seemingly every contender wants to be the one writing the check. The left-hander, who turns 30 on Nov. 20, posted a 2.72 ERA, 10.55 K/9 and 1.53 BB/9 in 2026 while going 12-7 across 26 starts split between the Tigers and Dodgers.
The Dodgers, who got a look at him down the stretch, remain in the mix to re-sign him. The Mets have also been floated as suitors. Now add the Padres to the list: MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported San Diego is "among the most active teams in the free agent starter market," though he stopped short of naming Skubal directly.
Not everyone is playing. The Cubs are reportedly planning to sit out the bidding war entirely, even as their own rotation needs remain obvious, choosing instead to check in on the rest of the free-agent pitching market. Meanwhile at least one National League team with big-market ambitions has reportedly dropped out of the chase altogether.
All of this is playing out against the backdrop of a looming lockout, with the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire Dec. 1 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Skubal's decision could shape the rotation landscape well before anyone finds out if there is even a season to pitch in.