The New York Mets scheduled a meeting with free-agent pitcher Tarik Skubal in California for next week, according to the New York Post reported by MLB Trade Rumors.
Skubal Could Command a Record 10-Year Pitching Contract
Major League Baseball’s general manager meetings opened in Las Vegas, setting off a scramble for the sport’s premier talent before a projected December 1 lockout. Skubal enters the market as a two-time Cy Young Award winner with four straight seasons carrying a sub-3.00 ERA, a strikeout rate north of 30 percent, and a walk rate below 5 percent, per MLB Trade Rumors.
The Steve Cohen factor is "super real" if the Mets aggressively pursue Tarik Skubal, says @Chelsea_Janes. "I think he'll talk David Stearns into being really competitive." pic.twitter.com/DX6k3ZZ4Qq
— Post by @FoulTerritoryTV on X
Analysts project the left-hander could command a 10-year contract worth around $400 million, potentially surpassing Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s $325 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers as the largest pitching contract in MLB history, reported Yahoo Sports and USA Today.
New York Post columnist Joel Sherman told Yahoo Sports that the bidding war is expected to shape up as a battle between the Mets and the Dodgers. I have yet to talk to an executive or a scout who doesn’t think it’s going to be the Mets versus the Dodgers in this,
Sherman said on The Show podcast.
Is the Mets' interest in Tarik Skubal serious? 👀 (w/ @JonHeyman) pic.twitter.com/VR3LPy6ZZ8
— Post by @BRWalkoff on X
Fellow insider Jon Heyman added on MLB Network that he views the Mets as frontrunners, noting that Los Angeles faces less organizational pressure than New York, according to Yahoo Sports.
Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell expressed a desire to retain his former teammate, telling EssentiallySports, I want nothing more than for him to be a Dodger.
Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres have also expressed early interest in the starting-pitching market, reported MLB.com. Conversely, the Chicago Cubs do not plan to pursue Skubal as they search for three starting pitchers, according to CBS Sports.
Rangers Explore Seager Trade
The Texas Rangers intend to explore trading shortstop Corey Seager during the general managers’ meetings, reported CBS Sports. Texas signed Seager to a 10-year, $325 million contract prior to the 2022 season, which yielded a World Series title and MVP honors in 2023. With five years and approximately $155 million remaining on the deal, the Rangers are weighing a move while top prospect Sebastian Walcott waits in the system, noted CBS Sports.
Other clubs are also active on the trade and free-agent fronts. The Toronto Blue Jays hold interest in free-agent second baseman Brandon Lowe, according to CBS Sports. Meanwhile, multiple teams have registered interest in trading for Mets right-hander Kodai Senga, who finished the 2026 season pitching out of the bullpen and recording a 3.78 ERA over his final 18 relief appearances, per MLB.com.
It appears there's a big three leading the pack for Tarik Skubal.https://t.co/tHdAscKArK
— Post by @DodgerBlue1958 on X
Mets Pursue Skubal as Teams Evaluate Rotation Options
Jon Heyman reported that the Mets are pursuing Skubal aggressively, and Jeff Passan noted that a decision is expected by December 1 before the current collective bargaining agreement expires. Paul Hembekides shared ESPN metrics showing that pitchers aged 34 or older have recorded 5.0 WAR seasons more frequently in recent years than average hitters. Meanwhile, teams evaluating free agents are weighing rotation options such as Michael King, Sonny Gray, and Freddy Peralta.
More on Tarik Skubal
https://t.co/6ulD7exYmH Exclusive: Mets have meeting scheduled with superstar free agent Tarik Skubal
— Post by @JonHeyman on X
https://t.co/rBV8J6Qhjp Mets remain favored, one team moves ahead of Dodgers on Skubal odds board
— Post by @JonHeyman on X
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