Story by
Snell Urged Skubal Not to Leave Dodgers in Free Agency
- Story by
- Snell Urged Skubal Not to Leave Dodgers in Free Agency
(© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
The friendship between Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers Blake Snell and Tarik Skubal became the subject of viral videos and in-game interviews. It will soon generate considerable speculation.
Skubal is entering free agency as the best starting pitcher available and perhaps the most coveted player to reach the market since Yoshinobu Yamamoto three years ago.
Advertisement
Will Skubal return to Dodgers?
Before the champagne had dried in the visiting locker room at Dodger Stadium, one question had already emerged: Can Snell convince Skubal to remain in Los Angeles?
That question rests on a somewhat false premise. Money will influence Skubal's decision, as will his family. He will likely weigh advice from his wife and agent before listening to Snell.
Snell and Skubal share an agent in Scott Boras, who negotiated Snell's five-year, $182 million contract in December 2024.
What that connection means in October, before the World Series and with a new Collective Bargaining Agreement still needing to be negotiated, remains unclear.
Advertisement
According to the California Post , following the Dodgers' elimination in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers , Snell said that Skubal could not leave him under these circumstances.
Los Angeles failed to accomplish its objective of winning the World Series, leaving Snell wanting another opportunity alongside his teammate.
"I just said, he can't leave me, especially on these terms," Snell explained.
"The goal is to win a World Series, and we weren't able to do that … So now that it's over, it's like, 'Don't leave.'"
Advertisement
Snell also confirmed that they did not discuss Skubal's future during the season. However, he made his preference clear by expressing his desire to have the left-hander return.
"I would love nothing more than for him to be back," he said.
The argument for retaining Skubal is compelling.
He went 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 62 innings over 10 regular season starts for Los Angeles.
Skubal won American League Cy Young Awards with the Detroit Tigers in 2024 and 2025, but those honors do not account for his October success. He has a 2.13 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in 50.2 innings across eight career postseason starts.
Advertisement
Skubal went 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 11 innings over two postseason starts this season.
He is precisely the type of pitcher the Dodgers typically pursue in free agency. The complication is that other teams, including the New York Mets , will also be interested. Some may offer more money, even if few possess the financial capacity to do so.
Pending free agents cannot negotiate with new teams until the World Series ends, much less sign elsewhere. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires Dec. 1, which could further complicate the offseason.
Without knowing the economic structure of the next agreement, teams may hesitate before offering nine-figure contracts.
Advertisement
Snell does not need to consider those complications. He simply wants his closest friend on the team to return.
Skubal's upside
Skubal's appeal extends beyond his dominance on the mound. He connected quickly with teammates, remained approachable and allowed his personality to become part of the team's daily environment.
His friendship with Snell reflected that openness. Their connection brought energy during a demanding season without affecting either pitcher's preparation.
Skubal also demonstrated that he could adapt quickly after changing teams and immediately handle important assignments.
Advertisement
The Dodgers know he can perform under October pressure , communicate comfortably with established veterans and embrace the expectations attached to Los Angeles.
Snell's preference will not decide the negotiations, but their friendship represents another reason Skubal may view returning as more than a financial decision.
