Tarik Skubal’s Free Agency Could Reshape the Mets’ Rotation Plans
Offseason plans face uncertainty
Major League Baseball executives, players and agents gathered at the Aria hotel and resort in Las Vegas for the general manager meetings. As of Tuesday, when the meetings began, no major free-agent moves or trades had been completed.
The collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, and agents and team officials expect a busy market before then. San Diego general manager A.J. Preller said his club is evaluating players as it normally would, while also accounting for the possibility of a different economic system. Arizona general manager Mike Hazen said recent discussions had been more substantial, though that might not lead to deals.
Mets need an established ace
Around the industry, the Mets are viewed as the leading contender for Tarik Skubal, a left-hander and two-time Cy Young Award winner. The team has the financial resources to pursue him, and its rotation needs an established starter after New York missed the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
The Mets’ rotation currently includes Nolan McLean, Christian Scott, Zac Thornton and Jonah Tong. The article says a trade for right-hander Freddy Peralta did not work out after he recorded the worst season of his career in New York. Team executive David Stearns said a complete rotation needs pitchers who can get through a playoff series, and that the club is open to different ways of building one.
Dodgers have contacted Skubal
The Dodgers have been in contact with Skubal’s representatives, led by agent Scott Boras, and expect to meet with the pitcher. Skubal finished the season with Los Angeles after the Tigers traded him to the Dodgers at the summer deadline.
In 10 regular-season starts and 62 innings with Los Angeles, Skubal posted a 2.61 ERA. He made two postseason starts, throwing 11 innings with a 2.45 ERA, before the Dodgers were eliminated by the Brewers.
Arizona weighs Arenado’s role
Nolan Arenado has played only third base during his 14-year career, but Arizona is considering a possible move to first base in 2027. Hazen said Arenado had told the team he would do whatever it asked, and that they had discussed the possibility of him playing first base full-time.
Hazen said designated hitter, first base and third base are open areas for the Diamondbacks, depending on where Arenado ends up. He also expressed regret that he had not done enough at the trade deadline to help Arizona, which missed the playoffs for a third straight season after reaching the World Series in 2023.
Key points
- The Mets are viewed as favorites to pursue Tarik Skubal, the top free agent available.
- The collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, adding uncertainty to teams’ offseason planning.
- The Dodgers have contacted Skubal’s camp and expect to meet with him.
- Arizona is considering whether Nolan Arenado could play first base full-time in 2027.