“It’s Going To Be Like Yoshinobu Yamamoto” – MLB Insider Drops Intriguing Update on Tarik Skubal’s Free Agency Outlook

MLB insider and New York Post columnist Joel Sherman believes Tarik Skubal’s free agency could mirror that of Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who signed the largest pitching contract in MLB history with Los Angeles during the 2023 offseason (12-year, $325 million). Sherman shared his thoughts on the latest episode of ‘The Show’ with co-host Jon Heyman, a fellow MLB insider. Discussing several facets of the ongoing offseason, Sherman began by naming some of the game’s aces before quickly turning to Skubal, saying his free-agent battle could come down to the Mets and Dodgers. Although plenty of teams will be interested in acquiring him, the pursuit could ultimately end much as Yamamoto’s did. “So look, I think they’re, to your point, if we were going to name who’s the ace of the sport, it would be a very short list. Yamamoto, Skubal, maybe Schlittler, like Skubal’s on it, and it might be Skubal, to your point. And he’s free,” Sherman said. “And so I think there’ll be interest in him. And yet I think it’s going to be like Yoshinobu Yamamoto. I think it’s the Mets and the Dodgers. I have yet to talk to an executive or a scout who doesn’t think it’s going to be the Mets versus the Dodgers in this,” he added. Watch the video here: During the campaign’s second half, Skubal and Yamamoto got a taste of what it would be like to team up with another ace. Skubal, the two-time AL Cy Young winner, was traded to LA for three prospects. The two pushed each other and finished the regular season strong. Skubal finished the campaign 12-7 with a 2.72 ERA, 186 strikeouts, and a 0.96 WHIP, while Yamamoto went 14-9 with a 2.53 ERA, 182 strikeouts, and a 0.87 WHIP. During the postseason, Skubal was chosen ahead of Yamamoto to start the NLDS and NLCS openers. Jon Heyman Believes the Mets Are Favorites to Sign Tarik Skubal This Offseason Appearing on MLB Network to share his take on the offseason’s most discussed topic, MLB insider Heyman said he believes the Mets were favorites to land Skubal, potentially dealing a blow to LA. The reasoning is simple: the left-handed ace is unlikely to seek a short-term deal with any team. “I do favor the Mets at this point. We are not exactly sure where the Dodgers are going to go. They are not in the desperation mode that the Mets are in to get better. I think the Mets are the favorite,” Heyman said. Monday was the first day of the General Managers’ meetings in Las Vegas, and multiple sources already believe the Mets are favorites to land Skubal this offseason. ESPN’s Jeff Passan also believes Skubal is expected to make his free agency decision by Dec. 1, before the current CBA expires. Also read: “Seiya Suzuki Is at the Top of the List” – MLB Insider Gives Immediate Offseason Need for .1B-Worth AL East Team “I Don’t See Jacob deGrom Voluntarily Coming Back” – Mets Insider Dismisses Potential Superstar Ace Reunion if NY Miss Out on Tarik Skubal College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis , college football , men’s college basketball , women’s college basketball , and college baseball !