Dodgers Face Mets and Cubs in Tarik Skubal Sweepstakes

Tarik Skubal can now hear from every MLB team as he weighs his next move in free agency. The five-day exclusive negotiating window ended at 2 p.m. Pacific time on November 2, opening the market for the top pitcher available this offseason.

The Dodgers are pursuing a reunion after acquiring Skubal in August for three top prospects. His agent, Scott Boras, said the time Skubal spent with Los Angeles gave both sides a chance to understand the team and his role there. Skubal reportedly enjoyed the Dodgers’ winning culture, veteran clubhouse and organizational resources, and built a close friendship with pitcher Blake Snell.

The Cubs and Padres are also potential suitors. The Cubs want Skubal, but may hesitate at a price expected to exceed $300 million and possibly reach $400 million. San Diego could use a leading starter after Michael King opted out of his contract and the team opted out of Nick Pivetta’s deal.

The bidding is expected to center on the Dodgers and Mets, though other teams could emerge. The Mets, led by owner Steve Cohen, may be willing to offer a large deal. The Dodgers have a deep rotation and pitching depth, so they may not need Skubal as urgently as some rivals. One possibility raised for Los Angeles is a shorter contract with a high average annual value; Skubal may instead favor the long-term security another team could offer. His choice is likely to depend on the contract, and whether the Dodgers will match competing bids remains uncertain.