New Tarik Skubal Rumors on Historic Contract Price & Threat from Dodgers' Rivals in MLB Free Agency

Pitcher Tarik Skubal, the marquee name headlining the 2026-27 MLB free agency class, could receive a record-breaking contract despite the impending lockout.

Teams meeting with the two-time Cy Young winner expect his contract to range between $350 million and $500 million depending on the length of the deal, The Athletic's Jim Bowden reported on Sunday. Skubal's contract will likely break the record for pitchers in both average annual value and total amount.

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Skubal in a blockbuster trade with the Detroit Tigers ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline. The Dodgers sent a trio of top prospects to Detroit for the left-handed pitcher, who may now walk and leave the Dodgers with no compensation.

The San Diego Padres are hoping to steal the star pitcher from their National League West rivals. The Padres are scheduled to meet with Skubal next week and could be "considered serious players" to sign him, according to Bowden.

The New York Mets are also pursuing Skubal. Bowden believes the Mets might make the highest bid, but Skubal could elect to go with another team that either matches the contract or has a lesser offer.

Skubal has a 2.64 earned run average over the past four seasons. Although some free agents have opted for shorter-term deals in recent years, Skubal has "no interest" in that sort of deal, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.