The surprises that this winter market will bring us in MLB are already beginning to emerge, and as is customary, New York would be one of the main protagonists.
After a season full of ups and downs in the rotation, the Mets front office is keeping a close eye on Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal, who could be the piece they need to get back into contention. However, the amount to be shelled out for the pitcher would not be a small thing.
Skubal, the lefty everyone wants
The name Tarik Skubal is on the lips of every general manager this winter, as the 29-year-old left-hander is close to entering the select group of pitchers with two consecutive American League Cy Young Awards, and his market value is through the roof.
During last season, Skubal posted a 2.21 ERA with 241 strikeouts in 195 innings and more than 30 dominant starts. Numbers like that are not easily achieved, which is why the Mets have him as their main target to bolster their rotation.
Although the left-hander will not be a free agent until after the 2026 season, several teams see him as a golden opportunity. But his agent, Scott Boras, usually takes his clients to free agency, which complicates an early extension.
The price for Skubal: four top prospects
According to reports from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets would have to offer four of their best prospects if they want to convince the Tigers to let go of their ace. Among the names that could be included in the package are Carson Benge, Jett Williams, Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat, all of whom have great potential within the organization.
Detroit could even ask for a Major League-ready arm for 2026, such as David Peterson or Clay Holmes, in order not to weaken its rotation in the short term.
Although Mets president of operations David Stearns has not confirmed any formal conversations, it is known that the team has internally discussed the possibility of going for Skubal. The challenge, beyond giving up young talent, will be to compete with other clubs willing to pay the same price.
The Mets and their need for an ace
The New York rotation was one of the biggest disappointments of 2024. Without a clear leader following the departure of Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, the team suffered in the early months, although Nolan McLean showed flashes of greatness after his call-up from Triple-A, with a 2.06 ERA in eight starts.
However, to compete in a division as demanding as the NL East, the Mets need a proven, dominant arm, and Skubal fits that profile.
The Mets want to be contenders again, and this seems to be the ideal opportunity to strike a blow.
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