1 contender has no plans to pursue Tarik Skubal

Tarik Skubal figures to be the top priority for a number of contending teams with the financial means to pursue him, but at least one team that could fit into that category is reportedly not interested.

The Chicago Cubs are considered unlikely to pursue Skubal in free agency, according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. The Cubs are prioritizing starting pitching and will check on most of the market, but Skubal is the exception.

The Cubs have multiple rotation spots to fill. Their rationale appears to be that investing hundreds of millions into one pitcher, even one of Skubal’s caliber, would not be prudent.

Skubal is the most coveted pitcher on the free agent market. He could return to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but another National League team may be favored to sign the two-time Cy Young winner.

The Cubs went 89-73 last season and lost to the San Diego Padres in two games in the NL Wild Card series.