Mets Projected to Chase Tarik Skubal
Analysts expect New York to pursue the two-time Cy Young winner after a difficult 2026 season.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Baseball
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Will the Mets sign Tarik Skubal this offseason?
Sports analysts predict the Mets will bid for pitcher Tarik Skubal this offseason, following a 2026 season in which the team finished nine games worse than the previous year. Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, earned $32 million in 2026 with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Why it matters
The Mets traded away four relievers at the trade deadline amid injuries and poor play, and a major free-agent addition would signal a push to reverse that decline. Skubal's next destination could also depend on how the league's salary structure and any salary cap develop.
The Mets finished nine games worse in 2026 than the previous season, while Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, earned $32 million on a 2026 deal split between Detroit and Los Angeles. Whether New York will pursue him at that price point remains unconfirmed.
The players
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a Major League Baseball franchise based in New York City that competes in the National League East.
Tarik Skubal
Tarik Skubal is a left-handed starting pitcher who has won two American League Cy Young Awards and is considered one of the top free agents of his generation.
The details
Analysts believe Nolan McLean has the talent to become the Mets' ace, but the team's 2026 struggles stemmed from injuries and poor play that led to the deadline sell-off of four relievers. Skubal's pursuit would mark a significant attempt to rebuild the rotation.
Timeline
2026 season: The Mets finished nine games worse than the previous year.
2026 trade deadline: The Mets traded away four relievers.
2026-27 offseason: The Mets are expected to pursue Tarik Skubal.
Season Trajectory
A pursuit of Skubal would position the Mets as a contender in the top tier of the free-agent pitching market rather than a rebuilding club. The outcome would shape the team's competitive standing in the National League East for the next several seasons.
If the Mets land Skubal, his presence would directly affect rotation projections and fantasy rankings for the 2027 season. Fans tracking the team's roster moves should watch the offseason signing window for confirmation.
The takeaway
Roster decisions after a down season often hinge on whether a team can secure a top starter before rivals do. Readers following the Mets should track offseason signings closely, since a single pitcher can reshape a club's outlook.
Further reading
For more on the league's contract landscape, see Baseball coverage across the United States.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sporting News.
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Will the Mets sign Tarik Skubal this offseason?
