Heading into the MLB offseason, the Chicago Cubs seemed like a potential Tarik Skubal suitor. As the offseason has moved forward, however, reports have suggested the Cubs may not be in the conversation after all. Jesse Rogers of ESPN confirmed in an article on Friday that Chicago is indeed not expected to pursue the star pitcher.

“The Cubs won't be in the bidding for Tarik Skubal, but any other pitcher on the market could be part of their plans,” Rogers wrote.

The Cubs will surely be linked to other star pitching free agents such as Freddy Peralta and Michael King. Unless they change their plans, though, it seems as if Skubal won't be pitching for the Cubs anytime soon.

Chicago is a big market and the team needs pitching help. Perhaps the idea of giving out a seven-year or longer deal to a veteran pitcher is causing them hesitancy. Maybe it's the fact that Skubal is expected to set a new salary record for pitchers. It could be something else entirely. Regardless of the reason, Cubs fans shouldn't be expecting a Skubal pursuit.

Article Continues Below

Skubal, 29, is still arguably the best pitcher in the game. He won back-to-back Cy Young awards with the Detroit Tigers in 2024 and 2025. He dealt with some injury trouble in 2026, but he still managed to pitch in a total of 26 games while recording a 2.72 ERA between the Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

As for the Cubs, they reached the postseason despite battling no shortage of injuries on their pitching staff. However, they were defeated in the National League Wild Card round of the postseason.