LOS ANGELES — As the MLB offseason gets underway, Kingman native Tarik Skubal is one of the most sought-after arms on the market — but also projected to be one of the most expensive.
Skubal began the 2026 season with the Detroit Tigers before a blockbuster trade sent him to the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the trade deadline. Now a free agent, the question becomes who will land the southpaw and how much it will cost.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Dodgers and New York Mets are among the "most obvious suitors." The Dodgers would make sense, as Skubal finished his season in Los Angeles and played fairly well for them through 10 games. He posted a 2.61 ERA in Dodger blue and started two postseason matchups, giving up three earned runs in 11 innings.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) walks off the mound against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Credits: David Rodriguez-Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Mets, meanwhile, are looking to add arms to their arsenal after dealing pitchers Freddy Peralta and David Peterson at the deadline. After missing the postseason and finishing with a 74-88 record this season, Skubal could be an enticing option to kick-start New York's path back to the playoffs.
One dark-horse option emerging is the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs made it to the wild-card round of the playoffs this season before being swept by the San Diego Padres. While adding a pitcher of Skubal's caliber could be interesting, and the team reportedly "badly wants" him, the price may be a little too much for Chicago. The left-hander is expected to sign for more than $300 million, potentially reaching the $400 million-plus range.
Jul 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Ultimately, Skubal's market could come down to which team is willing to make the biggest financial commitment. With multiple teams potentially in the mix and a price tag that could reach historic levels, his decision will be one of the biggest storylines of the MLB offseason.
Whether he returns to Los Angeles, heads to New York or lands elsewhere, Skubal is expected to be one of the most coveted free agents on the market.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) stands on the mound against the Baltimore Orioles at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Credits: David Rodriguez-Munoz / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
