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Tarik Skubal refused to discuss his future after the Dodgers were swept by the Brewers in the NLCS. The two-time Cy Young winner is expected to be the top free agent this offseason.
Tarik Skubal declined to discuss his impending free agency immediately after the Los Angeles Dodgers were eliminated from the 2026 postseason. The Dodgers were swept 4-0 by the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), with the final game ending in a 6-4 loss on Thursday.
Following the elimination, Skubal stated he was not ready to address his next career move. "I'm not going to comment on my future really at all," Skubal said, via MLB.com. "Today sucks, you know, and that's kind of where my head's at."
The 29-year-old left-hander joined the Dodgers at the trade deadline in August, acquired from the Detroit Tigers in a package that included top prospect Zyhir Hope. While the Dodgers were seeking a third consecutive World Series title, the Brewers' sweep ended their bid.
Skubal enters free agency as the top available pitcher, having won the American League Cy Young Award in both 2024 and 2025. His 2026 season was interrupted by NanoScope surgery on his pitching elbow, which caused him to miss starts between April 29 and June 13.
Across 26 starts for both the Tigers and Dodgers this season, Skubal posted a 12-7 record with a 2.72 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, and 186 strikeouts in 158 ⅔ innings. His 4.6 WAR was lower than his previous two seasons (6.7 and 6.4), partly due to making five fewer starts.
In the postseason, Skubal started Game 1 of the NLCS, allowing two earned runs in five innings in a 2-1 loss. He also started Game 1 of the National League Division Series (NLDS), securing a win against the Atlanta Braves. Over his career, he has posted a 2.13 ERA in eight playoff starts.
The timing and value of Skubal's next contract remain uncertain due to the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Team owners are pushing for a salary cap, which could influence how teams approach large contracts. Some reports suggest a deal could be structured to be grandfathered under the previous CBA, while others indicate negotiations may wait until a new agreement is reached.
Industry insiders polled by ESPN project Skubal could sign a contract worth approximately $355 million over eight years, with an average annual value of $44.375 million. Other reports suggest a potential deal between $400 million and $500 million, which would surpass the current record for a pitcher held by Yoshinobu Yamamoto's 12-year, $325 million deal.
While the Dodgers are expected to pursue Skubal, they face payroll constraints. According to Sporting News, the Dodgers' projected 2027 payroll is $370.5 million, driven partly by Kyle Tucker's contract. Adding Skubal could push their total payroll past $400 million before luxury tax penalties.
The New York Mets are also linked to Skubal. According to insider Chelsea Janes, the Mets are expected to match any high offer made to him. The Mets finished last in the NL East this season with a 74-88 record. President of Baseball Operations David Stearns stated it was "necessary" for the team to add to their starting rotation.
Skubal's free agency is a bellwether for the upcoming offseason, occurring amidst significant labor uncertainty. His decision will impact the competitive balance of the National League, particularly for the Dodgers, who are looking to rebuild their rotation after a disappointing postseason, and the Mets, who are seeking to improve a struggling pitching staff. The outcome will also set a precedent for how teams navigate contract negotiations under a potentially new CBA structure.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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