Tarik Skubal is the big fish in the MLB free agency pond, as nearly every team is going to attempt to sign the two-time Cy Young Award winner. The New York Mets have been deemed the favorites to potentially sign Skubal, however, insider Ken Rosenthal isn't buying the buzz in the rumor mill.
During the latest episode of “Foul Territory,” Rosenthal admitted that he simply doesn't believe the Mets are truly the favorites to sign the soon-to-be 30-year-old left-hander. But Rosenthal also won't rule out owner Steven Cohen to get the signing done either.
“I know there's a feeling out there among a lot of people that the Mets are the favorites [to sign Skubal]; I'm not sure, and it remains to be seen,” Rosenthal said. “All it takes is one snap of Steve Cohen's fingers to make this happen for the Mets. David Stearns, in general, has not loved long-term deals for starting pitchers. But at this point, Stearns might not have the choice.”
Article Continues BelowThe Mets are among the identified teams meeting with Tarik Skubal, but @Ken_Rosenthal isn't sold on them being the favorites… pic.twitter.com/yUnMcpbpL4
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) November 13, 2026
Tarik Skubal is linked to numerous organizations in the rumor mill, including the Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Toronto Blue Jays, amongst others. The seven-year veteran will certainly have a bidding war before ultimately choosing where to sign.
Skubal finished last season playing 16 games for the Detroit Tigers and 10 for the Dodgers. While his play didn't earn him his third Cy Young Award (he missed nearly two months of playing time), the two-time All-Star still finished with an impressive 2.72 ERA and 0.964 WHIP with 186 strikeouts through 158.2 innings pitched.