Mets Already Being Linked To Tarik Skubal Before Dodgers’ Postseason Begins

Tarik Skubal has not thrown his first postseason pitch for the Dodgers, yet speculation about his next destination has already begun.

The Mets are being connected to the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner as they prepare to rebuild a rotation that contributed to a deeply disappointing 2026 season. The fit is obvious on paper: New York needs a legitimate ace, owner Steve Cohen has demonstrated a willingness to pursue the sport’s most expensive players, and Skubal is positioned to become the best player available this winter.

That does not mean anything has been decided.

There is no reported offer, no indication that Skubal has selected a preferred destination and no confirmation from the Mets that they intend to pursue him.

For now, it is an early connection between an elite pitcher and a team with a glaring need.

Mets Expected To Search For Rotation Help

New York finished the season with only 74 victories after entering the year with much higher expectations.

President of baseball operations David Stearns has identified the starting rotation as an area the Mets need to improve, although he declined to address Skubal specifically when asked about a possible pursuit.

That response naturally added fuel to the speculation, but it should not be interpreted as confirmation.

The Mets have young starters they hope can become important parts of their future, but adding an established ace would give them something their rotation lacked throughout 2026.

Few available pitchers could change the outlook of a staff as dramatically as Skubal.

The question is whether New York will be willing—and financially positioned—to make the type of commitment required to sign him.

Dodgers Gave Skubal A Preview Of Life In Los Angeles

The Dodgers acquired Skubal from Detroit at the trade deadline in exchange for Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith.

It was an aggressive price for a player approaching free agency, but Los Angeles made the deal with October in mind.

Skubal rewarded that confidence by recording a 2.61 ERA with 70 strikeouts and only 13 walks across 62 innings in his 10 regular-season appearances for the Dodgers.

He saved one of his strongest performances for his final postseason tuneup, striking out 10 over seven scoreless innings against San Francisco. He allowed three singles, issued no walks and needed only 75 pitches.

Skubal will now join Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow in a postseason rotation constructed to give the Dodgers a chance to win a third consecutive World Series championship.

His experience in Los Angeles could also matter once free agency begins.

Scott Boras, Skubal’s agent, previously noted that joining the Dodgers gave his client an opportunity to learn how the organization operates and understand what his role would look like here.

That guarantees nothing, but the Dodgers have something the other potential bidders do not: Skubal has already experienced their clubhouse, preparation and expectations firsthand.

Skubal Will Reach Free Agency Without A Qualifying Offer

One detail could make Skubal’s market even more competitive.

Because he was traded during the season, the Dodgers cannot extend him a qualifying offer. Under MLB’s rules, a player must spend the entire season with one organization to be eligible.

That means a team signing Skubal would not surrender draft compensation.

The Dodgers would not receive a compensatory pick if he leaves, either.

After surrendering three notable young players to acquire him, Los Angeles risks watching Skubal depart without receiving anything in return beyond whatever he contributes during this postseason.

That was always part of the calculation.

The Dodgers did not make the trade simply to gain an advantage in future contract negotiations. They acquired Skubal because they believed he could help them win another championship right now.

His Next Contract Could Establish A New Standard

Skubal earned a record $32 million salary through arbitration this season and will enter free agency as one of baseball’s most accomplished pitchers.

He is represented by Boras and will turn 30 in November, creating a fascinating contract negotiation involving annual value, length and the inherent risk of committing record money to a pitcher into his late 30s.

Industry projections have placed his potential contract above $400 million, with some estimates approaching $500 million.

Those numbers would exceed Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 12-year, $325 million agreement, currently the largest guaranteed contract ever given to a pitcher.

The Dodgers possess the resources to participate in that market. Cohen’s Mets are one of the few organizations capable of matching them dollar for dollar.

But neither team’s involvement should be treated as inevitable.

New York already has substantial future payroll commitments, while Los Angeles has long-term money tied to Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani and several other stars.

Both organizations must also account for the uncertainty surrounding MLB’s collective bargaining agreement, which expires December 1. Discussions involving a possible salary cap, new contract restrictions and another lockout could significantly affect how quickly the free-agent market develops.

October Could Influence What Happens Next

There will be plenty of time to debate whether the Dodgers should give Skubal a record-setting contract.

First, he has an opportunity to make the price Los Angeles paid for him worthwhile.

A dominant postseason could help the Dodgers win another championship while making Skubal even more desirable in free agency. It could also make the idea of allowing him to leave considerably harder for the organization and its fans to accept.

The Mets make sense as a potential bidder. So do the Dodgers. Other teams could enter the conversation once Skubal officially reaches the open market.

But the offseason competition has not begun yet.

Right now, Skubal is a Dodger preparing to take the ball in October.

Should the Dodgers do whatever it takes to keep Tarik Skubal beyond this postseason, or would a contract approaching $400 million be too much for another starting pitcher?