Overview
- Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that SNY insider Chelsea Janes says the Mets are prepared to match whatever offer Tarik Skubal receives on the open market.
- Skubal is widely viewed as the top pitching prize of the 2026‑27 class after back‑to‑back AL Cy Young seasons and a 2026 line of roughly a 2.72 ERA and high strikeout totals.
- Because Detroit traded Skubal to the Dodgers midseason he will be ineligible for a qualifying offer, which makes him more attractive to bidders and raises his market value.
- Insiders project an extraordinary contract in the $400 million to $500 million range, but teams are split over term because Skubal had elbow surgery in 2026 and will be 30 in November.
- The Mets face an internal split over risk and spending: president David Stearns prefers shorter, flexibility‑preserving deals while owner Steve Cohen has shown willingness to approve mega‑contracts, and rival clubs are preparing alternatives such as Sonny Gray and Joe Ryan.