New favorite emerges in Tarik Skubal sweepstakes

Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher Tarik Skubal is going to have a massive payday at some point this offseason. The only question is which team gives Skubal the money he wants.

With the MLB offseason underway, Skubal is far and away the top player on the market, and ESPN’s Jorge Castillo said he believes the New York Mets are the favorites.

“I think they’re the favorites,” Castillo said while talking to Buster Olney on the BBTN podcast. “If Steve Cohen wants Skubal, he will sign Skubal…But I think ultimately Steve Cohen is going to push to sign Tarik Skubal.”

The Dodgers are reportedly willing to offer Skubal a deal similar to the one they gave Kyle Tucker last offseason. 

The Mets certainly aren’t afraid to spend money, either. In 2026, the Mets led MLB with a payroll of $346.7 million. They also gave Juan Soto a 15-year, $765 million deal not even two years ago, so Cohen and company are not afraid to spend money.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan also said the Mets are the most “obvious” suitor in the Skubal sweepstakes. Jon Heyman also mentioned on Wednesday that the Mets are very interested, so there is plenty of smoke surrounding Skubal going to Queens and becoming the next star in that stadium.

Tarik Skubal is the one to watch, and things could move quickly.