The Toronto Blue Jays are forcing their way into the Tarik Skubal conversation, and MLB insider Ken Rosenthal says that matters.
For much of the chatter around the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner, the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers have soaked up the spotlight. But Toronto is now being mentioned as a real player, with the club making a push to meet with Skubal as he weighs free agency.
Rosenthal didn’t soften his view on the Blue Jays’ place in the race. He said they “absolutely have to be taken seriously” in the Skubal sweepstakes.
Toronto is reportedly one of the teams set to meet with Skubal next week in California. The Mets, Dodgers and San Diego Padres are also expected to sit down with the left-hander, and at least two more teams could still be involved.
One reason Rosenthal sees Toronto as a threat is the possibility of a longer-term contract. He pointed to the Blue Jays’ willingness to go big last offseason with Kyle Tucker, when they were prepared to offer a 10-year deal, as a sign the organization may be comfortable making that kind of commitment again.
That could matter in a market where contract length may be just as important as annual value. Rosenthal suggested the Dodgers could lean toward a shorter deal with a bigger yearly number, which could open the door for Toronto if Skubal wants more years attached to the agreement.
The Blue Jays have already shown they are ready to spend at the top of the market. Their $500 million extension with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the seven-year, $210 million deal for starting pitcher Dylan Cease both point to an organization willing to make major financial moves.
Skubal gives any team a serious reason to get involved. Even with an injury interrupting his 2026 season, the 29-year-old still finished with a 2.72 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP and 186 strikeouts in 26 starts split between the Tigers and Dodgers.
Toronto’s 79-83 finish in 2026 makes the offseason even more important, and a rotation built around Skubal and Cease would immediately look far more imposing. The Mets and Dodgers may still be seen as the front-runners, but Rosenthal’s read is clear: the Blue Jays belong in the mix, and they should not be brushed aside.
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