4 Teams Pursuing Tarik Skubal Ahead of MLB Lockout Deadline

Four teams are now in serious pursuit of free-agent pitcher Tarik Skubal, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, with the Los Angeles Dodgers facing competition from the Chicago Cubs, the San Diego Padres and the New York Mets before Major League Baseball's lockout begins next month, the New York Post reports.

Which four teams want Tarik Skubal?

Passan reported Monday that "the Chicago Cubs badly want Skubal," adding the Padres as a fourth club in the mix behind the Dodgers and Mets, who he believes will ultimately decide the bidding war. Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, is this offseason's top free agent.

Why are the Cubs skeptical of their own pursuit?

Despite wanting Skubal, Chicago has internal doubts about matching the price tag. Passan wrote the Cubs "are skeptical that they will be willing to compete at the sort of dollars Skubal is expected to get — well in excess of $300 million, potentially in the $400 million range." That gap between desire and dollars is the central tension in the Cubs' pursuit, per the report.

What hole are the Padres trying to fill?

San Diego's rotation lost two arms in quick succession last week. Michael King opted out of the three-year deal he signed with the Padres last offseason, and the team then opted out of Nick Pivetta's contract after he spent most of the season on the injured list. "The San Diego Padres need a rotation anchor, and arguably the best pitcher in baseball would more than suffice," Passan wrote.

Why do the Dodgers and Mets lead the bidding?

Passan's ESPN colleague Alden Gonzalez wrote that "Skubal would love to return to the Dodgers," citing the organization's established culture, its financial resources, and Skubal's friendship with fellow pitcher Blake Snell. But Gonzalez said the decision will come down to price — specifically whether the Dodgers are willing to match an offer from Mets owner Steve Cohen or any other suitor that emerges.

What's driving the urgency before the MLB lockout?

The current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire, with a lockout expected to begin inside of a month, according to the Post's reporting. That timeline compresses the market: teams that want Skubal signed before labor uncertainty freezes transactions have limited weeks to close a deal potentially worth $300 million to $400 million.

What to watch

• Whether the Cubs make a formal offer or stay on the sidelines once price talk turns serious.
• Whether the Padres, now short two rotation arms, escalate from "candidate" to active bidder.
• Whether the Mets' Steve Cohen forces the Dodgers to raise their final number.
• Whether a deal gets done before the lockout clock runs out.