MLB insider reveals Tarik Skubal is expected to sign before MLB lockout

The MLB lockout is set to begin less than a month from now, and free agents are looking to strike a deal now as a potential salary cap is hanging over the league’s head.

This includes Los Angeles Dodgers superstar left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal.

Skubal is hitting the open market for the first time in his seven-year career, and ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan reported on Monday morning that the two-time CY Young Winner will be making his decision soon.

“Skubal is far and away the best player in this class, and the expectation is he will sign before the Dec. 1 lockout,” Passan reported.

Passan went on to write that the Dodgers and Mets are the “most obvious suitors,” because they bolster the highest payroll in baseball, but could be forced to deal with the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres.

“The Chicago Cubs badly want Skubal,” Passan reported.

The insider added that the Padres’ desire to land Skubal comes after Michael King decided last week that he would be opting out of his deal with two years remaining on it.

The Padres also have another hole in their starting rotation as the team elected to opt out of Nick Pivetta’s contract as well, after he spent most of last season on the team’s injured list.

Passan reported that Skubal’s future contract will exceed $300 million, but could potentially land in the “$400 million-plus range.”

The Dodgers are well aware of the value Skubal brings to a team after they traded for him during the trade deadline last season.

Skubal appeared in 10 games for Los Angeles and held a 2.61 ERA, with 70 strikeouts, while giving up only 13 walks.

During the playoffs, Skubal made two appearances for Los Angeles, tossing 11 innings, striking out 14 batters, and giving up only three runs.

They also know how much he’s willing to sacrifice for the rest of the team, as he said during the playoffs, he would be willing to come out of the bullpen if needed.

“Skubal will set a new record for a starting pitcher contract. The only question is how big it will be,” Passan wrote.

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