How pursuit of Tarik Skubal benefits Blue Jays

Tarik Skubal. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

How pursuit of Tarik Skubal benefits Blue Jays

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Nov 11, 2026 3:21 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays joining the Tarik Skubal sweepstakes signals their aggressive approach to targeting marquee free agents.

They are also the fourth team interested in him and have competition from high-spending clubs such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. But the Blue Jays have nothing to lose in their pursuit of the two-time AL Cy Young winner.

Even if they fall short in landing him, they can continue to focus on bolstering their offense, which is a priority this offseason. But they do share connections with Skubal, as he is friends with Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis and the two have also trained together in Arizona.

Skubal is well-versed in the Blue Jays' development and training setup, as he used their gym facilities in Dunedin, Fla., during a Grapefruit League start. Skubal also got to meet Max Scherzer. Skubal is also represented by Scott Boras, who is the same agent for Dylan Cease. The Blue Jays acquired Cease last offseason in a seven-year, $210 million blockbuster deal.

.@JonHeyman reports that at least six teams will meet with Tarik Skubal next week, including the Dodgers, Padres, Blue Jays and Mets and that negotiations will progress rapidly. https://t.co/ihCRpoYkVX
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 11, 2026

The Blue Jays landing Tarik Skubal would carry significant upside

If the Blue Jays were to land Skubal, then this would pair him with ace Cease, which would generate a dominant frontline one-two punch as one of the most formidable rotations in the AL.

Skubal also provides left-handed diversity, as the Blue Jays' current rotation is heavily right-handed, and would provide them with an elite left-handed arm.

Skubal posted a 5-2 record with a 2.61 ERA and 70 strikeouts across 62 innings with the Dodgers in 2026. The San Diego Padres are also interested in the southpaw. With the Blue Jays looking to rally for Skubal, this will certainly drive up his market value as the Padres, Mets and Dodgers will be looking to push for a record-breaking deal.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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