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The MLB offseason has kicked off, and free agents are now free to sign. With a potential lockout looming in December, teams may act swiftly to secure talent.
The biggest name on the market is Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner. He is expected to command a massive contract, possibly surpassing Yoshinobu Yamamoto's record $325 million deal for a pitcher.
ESPN's Jeff Passan has identified four possible destinations for Skubal: the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and San Diego Padres.
Team-by-Team Analysis
Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers acquired Skubal from the Detroit Tigers before the 2026 trade deadline in a significant deal. They have a history of signing stars, like Kyle Tucker and Edwin Diaz last year, but adding another huge contract might be surprising, especially with the lockout approaching.
New York Mets: The Mets have the financial resources to make the largest offer. They also have a pressing need for pitching, making them a strong fit for Skubal.
Chicago Cubs: The Cubs have a talented roster but lack a true ace. Adding Skubal could make them a World Series contender in 2027. However, it's uncertain if they are willing to commit to a potentially record-breaking contract for a pitcher.
San Diego Padres: Never count out AJ Preller, but the Padres already have several large contracts on their books. A move for Skubal would be surprising unless they first trade away an expensive star.
Among these four teams, the Mets appear to be the best fit at this time.