Dodgers Weighing Record-Breaking Price for Tarik Skubal
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Los Angeles looks to retain the two-time Cy Young winner, though a gap remains between the pitcher's demands and the team's projected offer.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are attempting to retain free agent pitcher Tarik Skubal, who is widely considered the top free agent this winter. According to Sports Illustrated, Skubal is seeking to become the highest-paid pitcher in MLB history, aiming to break records for both total value and average annual value.
While the Dodgers are among the few teams with the financial capacity to meet these demands, Sports Illustrated reports the club is unlikely to offer the total value Skubal wants, though they may offer a record-breaking average annual value over a shorter term. Dodgers ace Blake Snell told reporter David Vassegh that he has personally pitched to Skubal and believes the team has a "good shot" at signing him.
MLB reports that Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman has expressed high respect for Skubal, noting the pitcher's seamless transition into the clubhouse. The Dodgers previously showed their commitment to Skubal by trading MLB Pipeline Top 100 prospects Zyhir Hope and River Ryan, along with Brady Smith, to acquire him as a rental.
Despite a rotation that includes Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Roki Sasaki, and Shohei Ohtani, MLB notes that Skubal would provide stability and alleviate pressure on Yamamoto. Skubal, who posted a 2.61 ERA in 10 regular season starts for L.A., has praised the organization and fanbase, while Friedman continues to communicate with Skubal's agent, Scott Boras.