Tarik Skubal is the best player available in free agency this offseason, and he is expected to sign a record-breaking contract.
Skubal could be the big domino to fall this offseason, as many big-market teams will be pursuing him. After he signs, the teams that miss out on him could start focusing their resources on other pitchers and really let the pitching market start to move.
With a lockout very likely this offseason, players could sign sooner than usual. According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Skubal is expected to sign before the Dec. 1 lockout.
Skubal will want to secure a record-breaking deal before the new CBA potentially interferes with how teams spend their money. However, guys like Freddy Peralta and Michael King may have to wait for Skubal to sign. They will surely have offers on the table, but big-market teams who miss out on Skubal may not be able to present their best offer until Skubal decides where he wants to play.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres could all try to go after Skubal. Whichever teams fail to win the sweepstakes would seemingly have Peralta and King at the top of their wish lists.
The Mets and Dodgers may be the top two suitors for Skubal, with the Mets having a more desperate need. The Cubs and Padres also have a desperate need for starting pitching, but the Mets have a bigger wallet.
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