si
When Tarik Skubal hits free agency this winter, the Los Angeles Dodgers are likely to be among the suitors—but they won't be alone. The 29-year-old left-hander, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, is widely regarded as the prize of the upcoming free-agent class, and multiple teams are expected to vie for his signature.
According to insights from MLB executives shared with ESPN's Kiley McDaniel, seven clubs could emerge as serious contenders for Skubal. The Dodgers are squarely in the mix, but they face stiff competition from the Detroit Tigers (Skubal's original team), the high-spending New York Mets, and the New York Yankees, who lurk just behind the leading group.
McDaniel identified the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox, and San Diego Padres—all National League West foes of the Dodgers—as potential "sleepers" in the Skubal sweepstakes. The rationale: "the Angels and Padres have new ownership, and the White Sox have a new owner in waiting," McDaniel noted, suggesting those franchises might be willing to make a splash under fresh leadership.
Among the serious contenders, the Dodgers, Tigers, and Mets received the most frequent mentions. However, McDaniel wrote that the Tigers "were mentioned as more likely to be on the periphery than a true contender." Most insiders expect the Dodgers and Mets to be aggressive bidders, though some hesitation surrounds the Dodgers due to "the controversy around the team's ownership." Meanwhile, there is speculation that the Mets might prefer a shorter-term arrangement similar to their deal with Bo Bichette—a strategy that could fall short if Skubal aims to set a record for guaranteed money.
The Yankees, according to McDaniel, "were just behind that lead group in total mentions" and were often cited as a fallback for insiders who doubted the Dodgers would spend big or believed the Mets would only offer high average annual value deals.
Los Angeles acquired Skubal at the trade deadline, parting with three top prospects—a clear indication they hoped to retain him beyond this season. While the Dodgers are among the favorites to re-sign him, it's far from a sure thing.
Key Analysis
Bringing Skubal aboard midseason gave the Dodgers a firsthand look at his performance and clubhouse fit, and it allowed Skubal to familiarize himself with the organization. The Dodgers' appeal extends beyond their on-field excellence to their reputation for how they conduct business off the field. Skubal has publicly praised the team's culture and welcoming environment, suggesting he felt comfortable with the reigning two-time World Series champions.
Still, Skubal has also spoken highly of his time in Detroit, where he blossomed into an ace despite multiple elbow surgeries. Given his injury history, it's plausible he might prioritize the largest guaranteed contract above all else. Only time will reveal his decision, but for now, the Dodgers appear to have as good a chance as any team—if they choose to pursue him aggressively.