Cubs, Padres join Dodgers, Mets in race for Skubal

The contract value for Tarik Skubal may exceed $400 million, a figure that has drawn interest from multiple major-market clubs. ESPN insider Jeff Passan reported on Monday morning that the Chicago Cubs badly want the pitcher to lead their rotation.

Despite their strong desire to sign Skubal, Passan noted that the Cubs are skeptical they will compete at the dollar levels the market expects. He stated the team is hesitant to pay the well-in-excess-of-$300-million figure that could push toward the upper range.

The San Diego Padres represent another candidate in the group. Their starting rotation has weakened in recent weeks. Michael King opted out of his three-year deal, and San Diego subsequently chose to opt out of Nick Pivetta’s contract after the right-hander spent most of the season on the injured list.

Passan argued that the Padres need a rotation anchor and that Skubal, the best pitcher in baseball, would more than suffice for that role. However, he believes the final bidding war will narrow to a contest between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets.

Alden Gonzalez, a colleague of Passan, stated that Skubal would love to return to the Dodgers. He cited the established culture, organizational resources, and Skubal’s friendship with Blake Snell as key factors favoring a return to Los Angeles.

Gonzalez added that the decision will come down to price. He questioned whether the Dodgers would be willing to match the offers from Steve Cohen’s Mets or other suitors, given the ongoing threat of a salary cap.