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Tarik Skubal stands out as the most coveted free agent in Major League Baseball this offseason, with virtually every franchise expected to pursue the two-time Cy Young Award recipient. The New York Mets have frequently been labeled the frontrunners to secure Skubal's services, but insider Ken Rosenthal remains unconvinced by the prevailing speculation.
On a recent installment of Foul Territory, Rosenthal expressed his skepticism regarding the Mets' status as the favorites for the soon-to-be 30-year-old left-hander. Nevertheless, he did not dismiss the possibility that owner Steven Cohen could ultimately seal the deal. "I know there's a feeling out there among a lot of people that the Mets are the favorites [to sign Skubal]; I'm not sure, and it remains to be seen," Rosenthal commented. He added that Cohen has the power to make it happen with a mere snap of his fingers.
Rosenthal also pointed out that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has generally been reluctant to commit to long-term contracts for starting pitchers. However, given the circumstances, Stearns may find himself without alternative options.
Skubal has been connected to several organizations in the rumor mill, including the Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays, among others. The seven-year veteran is poised to ignite a bidding war before ultimately deciding on his destination.
Last season, Skubal appeared in 16 games for the Detroit Tigers and 10 for the Dodgers. Although his performance did not earn him a third Cy Young Award—he missed nearly two months due to injury—the two-time All-Star still delivered an impressive 2.72 ERA and 0.964 WHIP with 186 strikeouts over 158.2 innings pitched.
Key Analysis
Rosenthal's remarks underscore the uncertainty surrounding the Mets' perceived advantage in the Skubal sweepstakes. While Cohen's financial resources could tip the scales, Stearns' historical preference for shorter-term deals for pitchers introduces a layer of complexity. The competition from teams like the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays further complicates the Mets' path to signing the ace. As the offseason progresses, the baseball world will closely monitor whether the Mets can overcome these hurdles and land one of the most sought-after free agents on the market.
Originally reported by yahoo.