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Two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal enters the 2026-27 Major League Baseball offseason as the premier free agent available. The 29-year-old left-handed pitcher played his first six major-league seasons with the Detroit Tigers before a trade sent him to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the 2026 trade deadline. Having earned Most Valuable Player votes alongside his back-to-back Cy Young titles in 2024 and 2025, Skubal is expected to secure the largest contract for a pitcher in league history in both total value and average annual value.
The star pitcher’s market opens amid looming labor negotiations, as the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 1. League owners are expected to initiate a lockout if a new deal is not established. During summer negotiations, the league proposed caps on free-agent contract lengths, which the players’ union rejected, while ownership continues to push for a league-wide salary cap. The uncertainty could push Skubal to sign before the deadline or lead franchises to pause spending until new economic rules are settled.
San Diego Padres
Analyzing potential destinations for CBS Sports, baseball writer Mike Axisa projected that Skubal will sign with the San Diego Padres. Axisa noted that the team’s new ownership group, which acquired the franchise for $3.9 billion, will be motivated to land a star player in its initial offseason. He added that San Diego offers a pitcher-friendly home ballpark and a consistent history of postseason appearances.
New York Mets
CBS Sports analyst Dayn Perry predicted that the New York Mets will submit the highest financial offer to secure the left-hander. Perry stated that the Mets need a dependable starter to pair with Nolan McLean following a disappointing 2026 campaign. Adding the top free agent on the market would reposition New York as an immediate contender for the 2027 season, provided the contract is completed prior to any labor stoppage.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Predicting a return to his most recent team, analyst Matt Snyder selected the Los Angeles Dodgers to retain Skubal. Snyder expressed skepticism that owners will successfully implement a salary cap, but he expects the Dodgers to act quickly before free agency is halted by labor talks to ensure Skubal’s contract is grandfathered under the existing rules.
