Key Takeaways
- • ESPN-affiliated MLB insider Ken Rosenthal expressed doubt that the New York Mets will land free-agent left-hander Tarik Skubal, saying "I'm not sure" the Mets are the clear favorites.
- • Rosenthal cited Jon Heyman's report that two unidentified teams will meet with Skubal next week, with the Dodgers, Mets, Blue Jays, and Padres seen as the most obvious suitors.
- • Steve Cohen's financial capacity is not in question: Rosenthal said a $350 million-plus contract is possible, though the Mets' $345 million payroll has not produced a postseason berth.
- • Mets president David Stearns has historically avoided long-term deals for starting pitchers, with Sean Manaea's three-year, $75 million contract the largest of his Mets tenure.
- • Skubal is the first pitcher to hit free agency after winning two of the previous three Cy Young Awards, and the Mets have missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
Summary
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal has cast doubt on the New York Mets' chances of signing free-agent pitcher Tarik Skubal, despite owner Steve Cohen's willingness to spend. Cohen has previously committed $765 million to Juan Soto, and Rosenthal acknowledged that Cohen has the financial power to make a deal of $350 million or more possible. However, the Mets' $345 million payroll has not translated into a postseason berth, and the club has missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
Speaking to Foul Territory, Rosenthal said that Jon Heyman has reported that two additional teams will meet with Skubal next week, though those teams have not been identified. Rosenthal said he could not determine who else might be involved and named the Dodgers, Mets, Blue Jays, and Padres as the most obvious candidates. "I know there's a feeling out there among a lot of people that the Mets are the favorites. I'm not sure, and it remains to be seen," he said. He added that "all it takes is one snap of Steve Cohen's fingers" for the Mets to make it happen.
A key obstacle is the organization's contracting philosophy. Throughout his nearly decade-long tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers and his first three seasons with the Mets, president of baseball operations David Stearns has avoided long-term contracts for starting pitchers. The largest and richest deal he has issued to a Mets pitcher is Sean Manaea's three-year, $75 million contract before the 2025 season, more than triple any pitching deal he authorized in Milwaukee. Under Cohen's prior ownership-era spending, the Mets signed Max Scherzer (three years, $130 million) and Justin Verlander (two years, $86.7 million) to short terms with large annual salaries rather than long commitments. The notable exception was the Dodgers' 12-year, $325 million deal with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was 25 at signing.
Rosenthal suggested Skubal may be the exception to that pattern. Skubal is the first pitcher to reach free agency after winning two of the previous three Cy Young Awards. Rosenthal observed that Stearns "might not have the choice" but to consider a long-term deal.
Speaking to Foul Territory, Rosenthal said that Jon Heyman has reported that two additional teams will meet with Skubal next week, though those teams have not been identified. Rosenthal said he could not determine who else might be involved and named the Dodgers, Mets, Blue Jays, and Padres as the most obvious candidates. "I know there's a feeling out there among a lot of people that the Mets are the favorites. I'm not sure, and it remains to be seen," he said. He added that "all it takes is one snap of Steve Cohen's fingers" for the Mets to make it happen.
A key obstacle is the organization's contracting philosophy. Throughout his nearly decade-long tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers and his first three seasons with the Mets, president of baseball operations David Stearns has avoided long-term contracts for starting pitchers. The largest and richest deal he has issued to a Mets pitcher is Sean Manaea's three-year, $75 million contract before the 2025 season, more than triple any pitching deal he authorized in Milwaukee. Under Cohen's prior ownership-era spending, the Mets signed Max Scherzer (three years, $130 million) and Justin Verlander (two years, $86.7 million) to short terms with large annual salaries rather than long commitments. The notable exception was the Dodgers' 12-year, $325 million deal with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who was 25 at signing.
Rosenthal suggested Skubal may be the exception to that pattern. Skubal is the first pitcher to reach free agency after winning two of the previous three Cy Young Awards. Rosenthal observed that Stearns "might not have the choice" but to consider a long-term deal.
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