Less than a month remains until a potential MLB lockout could begin. Over the next few weeks, many of the league's top free agents could find new homes. The top free agent available is ace lefty Tarik Skubal, who should set the record for the largest contract ever given to a pitcher. While many teams will pursue Skubal, a return to the Los Angeles Dodgers seems likely for the two-time AL Cy Young Award winner. ESPN's Alden Gonzalez wrote Monday that the former Detroit Tigers ace fell in love with the Dodgers while he was there.

“He became besties with Blake Snell, was awed by the organization's resources and, overall, seemed to fit in seamlessly,” Gonzalez opined. “But it's going to come down to price. And whether the Dodgers would be willing to match Steve Cohen's Mets or any other suitors that materialize, given the threat of a salary cap, remains to be seen.”

A return to the Dodgers does seem like the most likely course for Skubal. The organization traded for him while contending for their third straight World Series title. While Los Angeles fell short due to a buzzsaw of a Milwaukee Brewers team, the team will certainly be one of the top contenders for a championship in 2027. Regardless of the lockout, the Dodgers return a host of veteran superstars, such as Snell, fellow starters Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow, plus lineup stalwarts like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Will Smith.

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However, the New York Mets will give them a run for their money. Cohen, the Mets' owner, is not afraid to spend. Especially after New York once again fell short of a postseason berth. Their need for an ace is readily apparent, even with young starters like Nolan McLean and Christian Scott on the rise. While New York has other holes, a top starter is something that Cohen would certainly splurge for. Will Skubal return to Hollywood in his pursuit to finally win a World Series? Or will the bright lights of New York call his name? In any case, the rest of the MLB will wait anxiously for his decision over the next few weeks.