Tarik Skubal is the biggest name on the 2026-27 MLB free-agent market, with the two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner expected to command one of the largest contracts ever awarded to a starting pitcher. The left-hander ended the 2026 MLB schedule with the Los Angeles Dodgers after being traded by the Detroit Tigers at the August 2026 deadline, and he is now attracting interest from several big-market teams.
The Dodgers and New York Mets are emerging as the leading contenders for Skubal, although the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres and New York Yankees are also potential destinations. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that Skubal could receive offers well in excess of $300 million, with some projections reaching $400 million or more.
Tarik Skubal is the crown jewel of MLB free agency, with the Dodgers and Mets leading the race for the two-time Cy Young winner as a potential December lockout adds urgency to negotiations...
The latest Tarik Skubal next team odds make Los Angeles the favorite to retain the superstar left-hander, while the Mets are expected to mount a serious challenge. The Cubs and Padres also have significant rotation needs, and the Yankees could enter the bidding if they decide to make another major investment in their pitching staff.
Tarik Skubal Next Team Odds Timeline and Updates
The Tarik Skubal next team odds have evolved from a potential trade market into one of the most closely watched free-agency situations in baseball. Here are the key developments heading into the 2026-27 offseason.
- Aug. 1, 2026: The Detroit Tigers traded Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the MLB trade deadline, ending his time with the organization that drafted him. Los Angeles acquired the two-time Cy Young winner to strengthen its rotation for another postseason run.
- Oct. 19, 2026: Skubal and the Dodgers were eliminated from the postseason following their National League Championship Series defeat. The left-hander had gone 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA in 10 regular-season starts for Los Angeles.
- Oct. 29, 2026: Skubal officially entered free agency following the conclusion of the World Series. He became the most coveted starting pitcher available, with the Dodgers, Mets, Tigers, Cubs and Blue Jays among the organizations expected to show interest.
- Nov. 2, 2026: ESPN’s Jeff Passan identified the Dodgers and Mets as the two most obvious suitors, while reporting that the Cubs badly want Skubal. The Padres were also identified as a team needing a frontline starting pitcher. Passan suggested Skubal could command well over $300 million, potentially reaching $400 million or more.
- Nov. 3, 2026: The Yankees emerged as another potential contender after ESPN reported that the organization was considering a pursuit of Skubal and could trade another starting pitcher to accommodate the addition. The possibility of a Dec. 1 MLB lockout is also accelerating the free-agent market, with Skubal expected to sign before the deadline.
The Most Likely Teams to sign Tarik Skubal
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers lead our Tarik Skubal next team odds because they have the financial resources, championship ambitions and established relationship with the left-hander to make a strong case for his return. Los Angeles acquired Skubal from Detroit at the trade deadline, and he quickly established himself as an important part of its rotation. His return would give the Dodgers the most balanced roster in MLB, with NL MVP odds contenders Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and others.
ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported that Skubal appeared to enjoy his time in Los Angeles, particularly the organization’s culture, resources and veteran clubhouse. He reportedly developed a close relationship with Blake Snell and appreciated being surrounded by players focused on winning championships.
The biggest question is whether the Dodgers are willing to offer the contract Skubal’s representatives are seeking. The left-hander could command more than $400 million, potentially surpassing Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s $325 million guarantee for a pitcher. Los Angeles has already demonstrated its willingness to spend aggressively, but the length and annual value of Skubal’s next deal could determine whether he returns.
New York Mets
The New York Mets are arguably the Dodgers’ biggest competition in the Tarik Skubal next team odds market. ESPN’s Jeff Passan identified Steve Cohen’s organization as one of the two most obvious suitors, alongside Los Angeles, with the Mets having both the financial resources and motivation to pursue the top starting pitcher available.
New York has consistently demonstrated its willingness to spend heavily on elite talent, and adding Skubal would address a major rotation need. The Mets have been looking to strengthen the top of their pitching staff, and a left-hander with consecutive Cy Young awards would immediately give the organization a legitimate ace.
One potential concern is the contract structure. ESPN’s reporting suggests that the Mets could prefer a shorter-term arrangement than the lengthy guarantee Skubal is expected to seek. However, Cohen’s financial resources give New York the ability to compete with almost any offer, and the opportunity to acquire a perennial Cy Young contender could persuade the organization to make an exception.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago is another serious contender after Passan reported that the Cubs badly want Skubal. The organization has considerable work to do rebuilding its starting rotation, with several pitchers departing through free agency and additional uncertainty surrounding its returning options.
Skubal would immediately become the centerpiece of Chicago’s pitching staff, giving the Cubs an established ace capable of competing with the best rotations in baseball. The organization has also shown a willingness to explore significant roster upgrades, making this a potentially important offseason for its championship ambitions.
The biggest obstacle is the financial commitment. Passan reported that Chicago is skeptical about whether it would be willing to compete at the level of the Dodgers and Mets, particularly with Skubal potentially seeking a contract worth $400 million or more. Still, the Cubs’ reported interest is significant, and the organization could remain involved if negotiations develop favorably.
Tarik Skubal Profile: What He Would Bring to a Contending Team
Skubal would immediately become the ace of virtually any rotation, bringing a combination of velocity, command, strikeout ability and postseason experience. Detroit selected the left-hander in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB Draft, and he made his major-league debut in 2020 before developing into one of the American League’s most dominant pitchers.
Skubal won consecutive American League Cy Young Awards in 2024 and 2025, establishing himself as a perennial contender in the Cy Young odds. He followed those campaigns with another outstanding season in 2026, recording a 2.72 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 186 strikeouts across 158.2 innings between Detroit and Los Angeles.
His postseason experience is another major selling point. Skubal has demonstrated an ability to handle high-pressure situations, and his performance with the Dodgers following the trade deadline further strengthened his reputation as a frontline starter.
At 29 years old, Skubal is entering free agency at an ideal point in his career. His combination of age, recent production and durability should make him one of the most sought-after pitchers in baseball history. Passan reported that his next contract could exceed $300 million and potentially reach $400 million or more.
Potential Tarik Skubal Contract Expectations
Teams pursuing Skubal will not need to surrender prospects or draft picks to acquire his services. Instead, the competition will center on guaranteed money, contract length, opt-out provisions and the opportunity to compete in the World Series odds.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: Nine years, $405 million. Los Angeles has the financial resources to make a record-setting offer, and a long-term commitment would help keep Skubal alongside its established core. The Dodgers could also include opt-out provisions to make the contract more attractive, making Skubal one of the richest players in MLB.
- New York Mets: Eight years, $376 million. Cohen’s willingness to spend gives New York the ability to compete with Los Angeles. A contract approaching $400 million would make the Mets serious contenders, particularly if they offer additional guarantees or incentives.
- Chicago Cubs: Eight years, $352 million. Chicago could make a substantial offer to address its rotation needs, although the organization may be reluctant to match the highest bids. A deal in this range would still represent a major investment.
- San Diego Padres: Seven years, $315 million. San Diego could offer a shorter contract with a high annual value, although it would need to demonstrate that its financial commitments allow room for another superstar.
- New York Yankees: Eight years, $360 million. The Yankees have the financial resources to enter the bidding and could make an aggressive offer if they decide Skubal is the missing piece of their rotation. Opt-outs and deferred payments could become part of negotiations.
- Detroit Tigers: Eight years, $320 million. A reunion would be an expensive proposition, particularly after Detroit committed significant money to Framber Valdez. However, the Tigers could attempt to keep their homegrown ace with a substantial offer and the opportunity to remain the face of the franchise.
MLB Lockout: Why Tarik Skubal Could Sign Before December
The looming expiration of MLB’s collective bargaining agreement on Dec. 1, 2026, could have a significant impact on the Skubal sweepstakes. MLB owners are widely expected to implement a lockout if a new agreement is not reached, potentially suspending free-agent negotiations until a new labor deal is finalized.
The MLB lockout odds are therefore an important part of the offseason conversation. Teams and agents are instead preparing for the possibility that negotiations could be interrupted. Passan reported that Skubal is expected to sign before Dec. 1, with the possibility of a lockout creating urgency for both sides. The left-hander could prefer to secure a record-setting contract rather than risk having negotiations delayed by uncertainty surrounding the next CBA.
This timeline could also accelerate the broader pitching market. Teams that miss out on Skubal may turn their attention to alternatives such as Freddy Peralta, Michael King and other available starters. For bettors following MLB picks and the offseason market, Skubal’s decision could become one of the most important developments before the winter shutdown.
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❓ Tarik Skubal Next Team Odds FAQs
What are the current Tarik Skubal next team odds?
Our estimated Tarik Skubal next team odds make the Los Angeles Dodgers the favorites, followed by the New York Mets. The Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers are other potential destinations. These are editorial estimates rather than confirmed sportsbook prices.
When does Tarik Skubal become a free agent?
Skubal entered free agency following the conclusion of the 2026 World Series. He is no longer under contract with the Detroit Tigers or Los Angeles Dodgers and can negotiate with interested teams during the offseason. His next deal is expected to be one of the largest contracts ever awarded to a starting pitcher.
Why are the Dodgers favorites to sign Tarik Skubal?
The Dodgers are favorites because they already acquired Skubal at the 2026 trade deadline, giving him an opportunity to experience the organization’s winning culture. ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reported that he enjoyed his time in Los Angeles, while the Dodgers have the financial resources to compete for his services. Their championship ambitions could also make them an attractive destination.
Could Tarik Skubal sign with the New York Mets?
Yes. The Mets are considered one of the strongest contenders for Skubal, with ESPN’s Jeff Passan identifying them as one of the two most obvious suitors alongside the Dodgers. Steve Cohen has the financial resources to make a competitive offer, and New York has a clear need for an established ace at the top of its rotation.
How much will Tarik Skubal’s next contract be worth?
Skubal could receive more than $300 million, with some projections reaching $400 million or higher. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the left-hander is expected to command a record-setting contract. The final value will depend on the number of interested teams, contract length and negotiations with agent Scott Boras.
When will Tarik Skubal sign?
Skubal is expected to sign before Dec. 1, 2026, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The date is significant because MLB’s collective bargaining agreement expires at the beginning of December, with a lockout widely anticipated if the owners and players cannot reach a new agreement. A work stoppage could interrupt free-agent negotiations.
San Diego Padres
New York Yankees
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