Key Takeaways
- • Steve Cohen is reportedly considering changing the Mets' traditional approach to starting-pitcher contracts to pursue left-hander Tarik Skubal, according to MARCA.
- • Skubal and agent Scott Boras are reportedly seeking offers exceeding $325 million, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale, and the pitcher is reportedly not interested in a short-term deal regardless of annual value.
- • MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported that "nearly everybody" around baseball expects Skubal to sign with the Mets, though the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Padres remain potential competitors.
- • The Mets, who finished 74-88 last season, need an established ace and are expected to meet with Skubal before Thanksgiving.
Summary
Steve Cohen may need to revisit the Mets' contracting philosophy to land Tarik Skubal, according to MARCA. New York under president of baseball operations David Stearns has generally favored shorter commitments to starting pitchers, but the report says securing one of baseball's premier arms could require a significant strategic shift.
Speculation intensified after this week's general managers' meetings, when MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand said "nearly everybody" around baseball expects the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner to sign with New York. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres remain potential competitors. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that Skubal and agent Scott Boras are seeking offers exceeding $325 million, and that Skubal is not interested in a short-term contract regardless of its annual value. The Dodgers reportedly favor a shorter agreement with a higher average annual salary, which could create an opening for New York.
The Mets' historical willingness to spend is cited as a factor. Early in Cohen's ownership, the club signed Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander to substantial contracts. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter also identified New York as an attractive destination, citing its financial strength and rotation need. However, the report notes money alone may not be enough: after a 74-88 season, the Mets must convince Skubal that their long-term plans are credible.
Skubal's performance underpins the interest. After most of his career with the Detroit Tigers, he joined the Dodgers in August 2026 and finished the regular season with a 2.72 ERA and 186 strikeouts over 158.2 innings in 26 starts. In 2025 he posted a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts across 195.1 innings. The Mets and other interested clubs are expected to meet with Skubal before Thanksgiving.
Speculation intensified after this week's general managers' meetings, when MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand said "nearly everybody" around baseball expects the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner to sign with New York. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and San Diego Padres remain potential competitors. USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that Skubal and agent Scott Boras are seeking offers exceeding $325 million, and that Skubal is not interested in a short-term contract regardless of its annual value. The Dodgers reportedly favor a shorter agreement with a higher average annual salary, which could create an opening for New York.
The Mets' historical willingness to spend is cited as a factor. Early in Cohen's ownership, the club signed Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander to substantial contracts. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter also identified New York as an attractive destination, citing its financial strength and rotation need. However, the report notes money alone may not be enough: after a 74-88 season, the Mets must convince Skubal that their long-term plans are credible.
Skubal's performance underpins the interest. After most of his career with the Detroit Tigers, he joined the Dodgers in August 2026 and finished the regular season with a 2.72 ERA and 186 strikeouts over 158.2 innings in 26 starts. In 2025 he posted a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts across 195.1 innings. The Mets and other interested clubs are expected to meet with Skubal before Thanksgiving.
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