Key Takeaways
- • WFAN host Evan Roberts predicted on November 3, 2026 that the New York Mets will sign free-agent left-hander Tarik Skubal, citing Steve Cohen's success in landing Juan Soto.
- • Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, is expected to sign a deal worth more than $300 million and possibly around $400 million, which could set a new record for a starting pitcher.
- • The Mets and the Dodgers are considered favorites for Skubal, while the Chicago Cubs have also shown interest.
- • Jon Heyman reports the Mets do not view the Skubal pursuit the way they viewed Soto and feel less confident about landing him.
- • The current record is Yoshinobu Yamamoto's 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers signed in December 2023.
Summary
WFAN host Evan Roberts has predicted that the New York Mets will sign Tarik Skubal this offseason, pointing to Steve Cohen's role in recruiting Juan Soto as evidence that the owner gets the players he pursues. Roberts said on WFAN Sports Radio that the Dodgers traded for Skubal to chase a third straight championship and that Skubal will likely take the biggest and best offer. The prediction was posted by WFAN Sports Radio on November 3, 2026.
The Mets are looking to add to their rotation after a 74-88 season that left them out of the playoffs and at the bottom of their division. During the end-of-season press conference, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns said the team needed to add pitching. The Mets signed Soto to a historic 15-year, $765 million deal in 2024, edging out the Yankees, who had reportedly offered 16 years and $760 million.
Skubal started the final year of his contract with the Detroit Tigers, who failed to reach an extension agreement and ultimately traded him to the Dodgers, who gave up three prospects. In 10 regular-season starts with the Dodgers, Skubal went 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA and 70 strikeouts. He started Game 1 of the NLDS and NLCS in the postseason, taking the loss in the NLCS, where the Dodgers were swept 4-0 by the Milwaukee Brewers.
According to Jon Heyman, the Mets do not view their pursuit of Skubal the way they viewed Soto and feel less confident about landing him. The Mets and Dodgers are considered favorites, and the Cubs are also interested, though they are skeptical about competing with the high offers Skubal is expected to receive. Skubal and Soto share agent Scott Boras. Skubal is expected to sign a contract exceeding $300 million, potentially near $400 million, which would surpass Yamamoto's 12-year, $325 million deal with the Dodgers as the largest contract for a starting pitcher.
The Mets are looking to add to their rotation after a 74-88 season that left them out of the playoffs and at the bottom of their division. During the end-of-season press conference, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns said the team needed to add pitching. The Mets signed Soto to a historic 15-year, $765 million deal in 2024, edging out the Yankees, who had reportedly offered 16 years and $760 million.
Skubal started the final year of his contract with the Detroit Tigers, who failed to reach an extension agreement and ultimately traded him to the Dodgers, who gave up three prospects. In 10 regular-season starts with the Dodgers, Skubal went 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA and 70 strikeouts. He started Game 1 of the NLDS and NLCS in the postseason, taking the loss in the NLCS, where the Dodgers were swept 4-0 by the Milwaukee Brewers.
According to Jon Heyman, the Mets do not view their pursuit of Skubal the way they viewed Soto and feel less confident about landing him. The Mets and Dodgers are considered favorites, and the Cubs are also interested, though they are skeptical about competing with the high offers Skubal is expected to receive. Skubal and Soto share agent Scott Boras. Skubal is expected to sign a contract exceeding $300 million, potentially near $400 million, which would surpass Yamamoto's 12-year, $325 million deal with the Dodgers as the largest contract for a starting pitcher.
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