Tarik Skubal’s future is already looming over a Dodgers season that still has plenty left in front of it.
The left-hander is set to hit free agency when the season ends, and the price tag is expected to climb north of $300 million. That kind of number narrows the field fast, even for a pitcher with the kind of profile Skubal brings. The Dodgers will be in the mix, and according to MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, they may not have many heavyweight rivals.
“Dodgers two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is saying all of the right things about his upcoming free agency, even revealing his interest about a potential return to Detroit,” Nightengale wrote. “The cold-hearted truth is that there will be only two teams who will make serious bids for his services: The Dodgers and New York Mets. That’s it.”
That puts Los Angeles in a familiar kind of fight. The Mets are always lurking in the background of top-end free-agent battles, and owner Steve Cohen has shown he’s willing to spend with the biggest bidders in baseball. With New York likely headed back to the playoffs this season, Cohen could be looking for a major offseason swing.
Skubal is the sort of player who would qualify.
The Dodgers may have one advantage beyond the money: he’s already wearing their uniform. His agent, Scott Boras, pointed to that after the blockbuster trade.
“It’s great for both the Dodgers and for Tarik that they both get to know one another quite well and determine more about what the future may hold for them,” Boras said to the California Post.
Skubal has also been open about a possible return to the Detroit Tigers, though that would only become real if Detroit is willing to pay up. He’s said the right things since the trade, and he’ll get a chance to face the Tigers later this month in Detroit, but a reunion there still sounds far-fetched.
Before landing with the Dodgers, Skubal had also been rumored to want Los Angeles in free agency. So far, the fit has looked strong in limited time. He has made three starts for the Dodgers and posted a 3.18 ERA across 17 innings.
There’s still room for more as the stretch run unfolds, and the Dodgers will be counting on him to help chase another World Series title. For now, though, the contract talk can wait. The focus is on the playoffs and getting through the regular season on a strong note.
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