Connor Rogers Predicts Tarik Skubal Will Join the Mets

Tarik Skubal has emerged as one of the biggest names in MLB’s offseason conversation, and the New York Mets are increasingly being viewed as a serious contender to sign the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner. SNY analyst Connor Rogers has gone a step further, predicting that the star left-hander will eventually join the Mets and become a major addition to their pitching rotation.

Rogers, co-host of SNY’s “The Mets Pod,” believes the number of teams capable of competing for Skubal’s signature may be smaller than the list of clubs regularly mentioned in transfer rumours. Although the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Mets could all be linked with the pitcher, he expects only a handful to make a serious financial commitment.

The Mets’ willingness to match a top offer could give them a significant advantage. With owner Steve Cohen prepared to spend aggressively and the franchise needing a major rotation upgrade, Skubal has become an increasingly attractive target for New York.

Connor Rogers Predicts Tarik Skubal Will Join the New York Mets

Rogers believes the Mets are in a strong position to compete for Skubal because of their financial resources and reported commitment to improving their pitching staff. During a recent episode of “The Mets Pod,” he explained that several major-market teams could theoretically enter the bidding, but not all of them are likely to pursue a contract at the level expected for the left-hander.

Discussing the potential market, Rogers said:

“Tarik Skubal’s obviously the cream of the crop, right? But I think there is a level of, there’s only a couple teams that can really be bidding for him. You know, we talk about the Phillies, we talk about the Dodgers, we talk about the Mets, the Yankees, the Red Sox.”

The financial demands could make the competition particularly difficult. Skubal is expected to command a contract worth more than $400 million, potentially placing him among the highest-paid pitchers in baseball history. Only a limited number of franchises may be comfortable making such a commitment.

Rogers also pointed to reports suggesting that the Mets are prepared to match the strongest offer for Skubal. He believes that level of determination could ultimately bring the pitcher to Citi Field.

“I don’t think many of those teams are really gonna be bidding for Tarik Skubal. So we’ve heard multiple reports that they’re gonna match any top offer for the guy. I think the Mets are pretty committed to the situation at hand. I do think Skubal will be a Met,” Connor Rogers said.

His prediction reflects growing confidence that New York could be one of the most aggressive teams in the race. However, Skubal has not publicly indicated which franchise he prefers, meaning the Mets still have to convince the pitcher and his representatives that New York is the right destination.

Steve Cohen’s Financial Power Could Give the Mets an Advantage

One of the biggest reasons the Mets are being discussed as serious contenders is owner Steve Cohen’s financial strength. The franchise has demonstrated a willingness to spend heavily in pursuit of elite players, and signing a two-time Cy Young winner would represent a major statement about its ambitions.

MLB insider Chelsea Janes has also highlighted the belief surrounding the Mets’ pursuit. According to her reporting, the consensus within the organisation and among people familiar with David Stearns’ front office is that if Cohen decides he wants Skubal, New York will be prepared to pay whatever it takes.

That financial commitment could become particularly important if the bidding moves beyond the $400 million mark. Several teams may have the resources to make an enormous offer, but the willingness to structure and guarantee such a deal is a different question.

The Mets would also be addressing a clear weakness rather than simply adding another high-profile name. Their disappointing 2026 campaign exposed the need for a more reliable starting rotation, and Skubal would immediately become one of the most important pieces of their rebuilding effort.

Nevertheless, money may not be the only factor. Janes’ reporting also highlighted an important uncertainty: whether Skubal would actually want the scrutiny and expectations that come with playing in New York. The Mets can make an attractive financial proposal, but the final decision will belong to the pitcher and his family.

Why the Mets Need Tarik Skubal After a Disappointing 2026 Season

The Mets’ interest in Skubal becomes easier to understand when considering their performance during the 2026 season. New York finished with a 74-88 record, ending the campaign at the bottom of the National League East.

The starting rotation was one of the team’s biggest problems. According to the figures cited in the supplied report, the Mets ranked 23rd among MLB teams with a 4.47 earned run average. That level of production was not good enough for a franchise expecting to compete for a postseason position.

Adding a pitcher of Skubal’s quality could transform the rotation. His ability to consistently deliver strong outings, miss bats and compete against top line-ups would give the Mets a reliable ace capable of leading their pitching staff.

Nolan McLean is another important part of the team’s plans. The young pitcher recorded a 3.16 ERA and 194 strikeouts across 31 starts, making him a valuable option for the future. If New York signs Skubal, McLean could remain an important member of the rotation while benefiting from having an established ace above him.

Skubal would not simply be another addition to the pitching group. He would give the Mets a potential number-one starter and help establish a stronger foundation for the next campaign.

Dodgers President Andrew Friedman Addresses Skubal’s Future

The Los Angeles Dodgers are also expected to remain part of the conversation after acquiring Skubal during the 2026 season. However, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman offered a measured response when discussing the pitcher’s future at the team’s end-of-season news conference on October 21.

Friedman praised Skubal’s contribution during his short time with the organisation and acknowledged the significance of the position he has reached in his career.

“I can’t say enough good things about the impact he made in such a short period of time. We have a tremendous amount of respect for him on and off the field and for us, he’s put himself in this position to go out and be a free agent,” Andrew Friedman said.

Friedman also made it clear that the decision would ultimately belong to Skubal and his family.

“… He and his family get to make a choice over where they want to spend the next X number of years and, obviously, we wish them nothing but the best.”

His comments sounded more like an acknowledgement of Skubal’s achievements and upcoming free agency than a public declaration that the Dodgers would do everything necessary to retain him. Friedman said the organisation would continue speaking with Scott Boras, Skubal’s agent, while also explaining that the front office was still developing its offseason strategy.

The Dodgers therefore cannot be ruled out. Their experience of competing for elite free agents makes them a potentially dangerous opponent for the Mets, particularly if they identify a contract structure that works within their financial plans.

Tarik Skubal’s Performance Makes Him One of the Biggest Free-Agent Targets

Skubal’s performances in Los Angeles have strengthened his position as one of the most attractive pitchers available. Despite joining the Dodgers during the middle of the season, he quickly made an impact and demonstrated why teams are expected to compete aggressively for his signature.

He finished his regular-season spell with Los Angeles with a 5-2 record, a 2.61 ERA and 70 strikeouts across 62 innings in 10 starts. His postseason performances were also impressive, as he recorded a 2.45 ERA over two starts.

Those numbers underline the quality that makes Skubal such a valuable target. He can deliver strong regular-season performances while also offering the ability to handle high-pressure postseason situations.

The Dodgers clearly appreciated what he brought to the organisation. Friedman publicly praised his impact, while teammate Blake Snell has reportedly expressed an interest in recruiting him to remain in Los Angeles.

However, the financial demands could complicate the Dodgers’ efforts. Skubal’s expected contract is significantly larger than the guarantee attached to Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s $325 million deal, which currently represents the record contract for a pitcher.

Any team willing to offer Skubal between $400 million and nearly $500 million would be making an enormous long-term investment. That could create a difficult decision for the Dodgers as they balance their interest in retaining elite talent against their existing payroll commitments.

Why a $400 Million Tarik Skubal Contract Could Be Difficult for the Dodgers

The potential cost of signing Skubal is one of the biggest obstacles facing Los Angeles. According to Cot’s Baseball Contracts figures cited by the New York Post, the Dodgers are projected to have a 2027 luxury-tax payroll of approximately $388.4 million.

Adding another contract worth more than $400 million would require careful financial planning. The Dodgers have already committed significant money to their roster, and a new deal for Skubal could increase their luxury-tax obligations depending on its structure.

The Athletic’s Katie Woo has questioned whether Friedman would be willing to offer Skubal a straightforward 10-year, $400 million contract. Speaking on 97.1 The Fan, Woo suggested that a shorter agreement with a higher average annual value and opt-outs might be more realistic.

She pointed towards Kyle Tucker’s four-year, $240 million contract as an example of the kind of structure that could potentially appeal to a player seeking a shorter commitment while securing a significant annual salary.

Such an arrangement could give the Dodgers more flexibility, but it would depend on what Skubal and Boras are prepared to accept. If the pitcher prefers a long-term guarantee, the Mets’ willingness to compete at the top of the market could become particularly important.

The financial gap between the two organisations’ potential approaches could ultimately shape the free-agent competition.

Scott Boras and the MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement Deadline

The timing of Skubal’s free agency could add another layer of urgency to the negotiations. MLB’s current collective bargaining agreement is scheduled to expire on December 1, creating uncertainty about the league’s labour situation beyond that date.

According to the supplied report, Boras reportedly wants to secure an agreement before the collective bargaining agreement expires. If that timeline holds, teams interested in Skubal may have only a limited period to finalise their plans and present competitive offers.

A deal completed before the deadline could give Skubal greater clarity about his future while allowing his new organisation to plan for the next season. For the Mets, that would mean making their intentions clear and demonstrating that their financial commitment is genuine.

The possibility of a lengthy bidding process could also make the situation more complicated. Teams may need to consider not only the total contract value but also the length of the agreement, annual salary, opt-outs and other financial conditions.

With several franchises potentially interested, Boras is likely to have an important role in determining how the market develops. The Mets’ reported willingness to match the top offer could place them in a strong negotiating position, but no agreement has been confirmed.

Skubal Remains Silent About His Free-Agent Future

While analysts and front-office executives continue discussing possible destinations, Skubal himself has avoided giving any indication about where he wants to play next season.

After the Dodgers’ National League Championship Series ended, the left-hander was asked about his future. Rather than discussing free agency or potential offers, he focused on the disappointment of the team’s elimination.

“I’m not going to comment on my future really at all. Today sucks, you know, and that’s kind of where my head’s at,” Skubal said.

His response made it clear that he was not ready to discuss his next move publicly. With his free agency approaching, the attention will increasingly turn towards Boras and the teams preparing their offers.

Skubal’s decision will involve more than choosing the highest financial proposal. The opportunity to compete for championships, the organisation’s long-term direction, the city and the pressure associated with playing for a major-market franchise could all influence his choice.

For the Mets, convincing him that Citi Field is the right place to spend the next stage of his career may be just as important as presenting an enormous contract.

Could Tarik Skubal Choose the Mets Over the Dodgers?

The Mets appear to have a compelling case. They need a frontline starting pitcher, have the financial backing of Steve Cohen and are reportedly prepared to match the strongest offer for Skubal. Those factors could make New York one of the most serious contenders in the market.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, have already experienced what Skubal can contribute to a team competing at the highest level. Friedman’s public comments showed respect for the pitcher but left the door open for him to explore his options. Their existing payroll commitments could make a long-term deal more difficult, although a shorter contract with a higher annual value remains a possible alternative.

Connor Rogers believes the Mets’ commitment will ultimately be enough to bring Skubal to New York. His prediction is significant because it reflects the expectation that only a small number of teams will be willing to enter the bidding at the level required.

However, the situation remains unresolved. Skubal has not revealed his preferred destination, the Dodgers have not ruled themselves out, and the financial details of a potential agreement are still uncertain.

If the Mets follow through on their reported willingness to match any top offer, they could become one of the strongest candidates to secure the two-time AL Cy Young winner. For now, Rogers’ prediction has added another major talking point to an already intriguing MLB offseason, with the possibility of Skubal arriving at Citi Field becoming one of baseball’s most closely watched developments.