The Chicago White Sox Should Sign Tarik Skubal

The White Sox Can Afford Tarik Skubal

There is no doubt that Skubal is going to be paid handsomely this offseason.

He is arguably the best pitcher in baseball, and these types of aces rarely enter free agency when they are only 29 years old and in the prime of their careers.

Per ESPN, Skubal is projected for an eight-year, $355 million contract, with an annual average value of $44.6 million.

To be honest, I think that is a rather conservative prediction, as I see Skubal commanding 10 years and $400 million, but either way, he’s going to get a massive deal that sets the record for the most guaranteed money to a starting pitcher in MLB history.

The Dodgers are expected to make a big push to retain him, and given the team’s endless payroll and ability to seemingly defer payments decades out, they are certainly the favorites to bring him back next season, although the new baseball CBA could have a salary cap impacting what the Dodgers can spend in the future.

Regardless, Los Angeles is the favorite to sign Skubal, with the New York Yankees also expected to make a big push for him, as well as the Detroit Tigers, his former team.

But why not the White Sox?

According to Spotrac, the White Sox only have $117 million in guaranteed salary in 2027, which is going to be far less than the proposed salary cap floor if there is a salary cap implemented.

They even have less money committed next year than the notoriously cheap Pittsburgh Pirates, which tells you all you need to know.

But even if there is no salary cap floor, the White Sox can afford to spend way more money than they have been, and after a mostly successful postseason run this year, Chicago owner Jerry Reinsdorf — who is considered frugal by White Sox fans — should open up his pocketbook and help Venable and the rest of the team’s coaching staff out by allowing White Sox GM Chris Getz to sign better players.

The White Sox could give Skubal $40 million to $50 million and still be in good shape as far as payroll goes when compared to other teams around the league.

If the White Sox landed Skubal, not only would they be the favorites to win the AL Central next year, but they’d be one of the favorites to win the league and represent the AL in the World Series next season.

That’s why they need to get it done.