MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 11: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning in game one of the National League Championship Series at American Family Field on October 11, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays Expected to Meet With Tarik Skubal
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 11: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Los Angeles Dodgers throws a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning in game one of the National League Championship Series at American Family Field on October 11, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Toronto is expected to join the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in meeting with Skubal in California next week, per Heyman. Two other unknown teams are also expected to meet with the ace.
Heyman reports that the Mets are the favorites to land Skubal.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 03: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Los Angeles Dodgers warms up prior to game one of the National League Division Series against the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium on October 03, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ryan Sirius Sun/Getty Images)
Skubal is easily the top free agent on the market and is arguably the best pitcher in baseball. He is a two-time Cy Young Award winner.
This past season, the southpaw posted a 2.72 ERA with 186 strikeouts over 158 2/3 innings between the Dodgers and Detroit Tigers. He missed time early in the season due to an elbow injury that required surgery.
Looking at Tarik Skubal’s Career
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 10: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates after striking out Cal Raleigh (not pictured) of the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning in game five of the American League Division Series at T-Mobile Park on October 10, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
The Tigers selected Skubal in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of Seattle University.
He made his MLB debut with Detroit in 2020.
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 05: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after giving up a home run to the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning in game two of the Division Series at T-Mobile Park on October 05, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Skubal emerged as one of the best pitchers in baseball in 2023. He made only 15 starts that year due to a major injury, but excelled by posting a 2.80 ERA over 80 1/3 innings.
Skubal made his first career All-Star Team and won the AL Cy Young Award in 2024. That season, he posted 6.7 bWAR and a 2.39 ERA with 228 strikeouts over 192 innings.
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 05: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers reacts after giving up a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning in game two of the Division Series at T-Mobile Park on October 05, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
In 2025, Skubal recorded 6.4 bWAR and a 2.21 ERA with 241 strikeouts across 195 1/3 innings.
The Tigers traded Skubal to the Dodgers at the 2026 trade deadline for outfielder Zyhir Hope and right-handers River Ryan and Brady Smith.
Jackson Kruse Jackson Kruse covers Major League Baseball for Heavy Sports. He is also the site expert for FanSided's Minnesota Twins site, Puckett's Pond, and writes for Nolan Writin', FanSided's Texas Rangers site. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Media from Texas State University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Before joining Heavy Sports and FanSided, he served as sports editor of The University Star, Texas State University's student-run newspaper. More about Jackson Kruse
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Toronto Blue Jays Emerge as Serious Suitor for Tarik Skubal
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