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Ivory CoastWhere Will Ace Tarik Skubal Sign Before the CBA Expires?
Ace pitcher Tarik Skubal is the top MLB free agent this winter. Teams are racing to sign the two time Cy Young winner before the December 1 deadline.
A Ticking Clock for the Top Ace
Major League Baseball free agency is moving fast. The current collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, bringing an impending labor stoppage. No players can sign contracts after that date until a new agreement is reached. Because of this deadline, many industry insiders expect top free agent Tarik Skubal to sign a contract early.
Skubal is a two time Cy Young Award winner. Most panelists predict he will complete a deal before the lockout starts. Insiders have projected an average contract of eight years and 355 million dollars for the ace pitcher, which equals an average annual value of 44.6 million dollars.
The Mets Take the Lead
The New York Mets are making a strong push for Skubal. The star pitcher is scheduled to meet with the team in California next week.
The Mets have an obvious need for front line starting pitching. Owner Steve Cohen is willing to spend, giving the team the space and financial resources required to land the top pitcher. Skubal has no interest in a shorter term, higher dollar contract. That stance puts the Mets in a strong position, as they can offer a long term commitment.
Dodgers and Other Suitors
A return to the Los Angeles Dodgers remains another logical outcome. The Detroit Tigers traded Skubal to Los Angeles at this year's deadline. After his team's final playoff game, Skubal praised the Dodgers, though he remained coy about his free agency plans. However, his preference for a longer contract could put Los Angeles at a disadvantage.
Other teams are also searching for rotation help. The Chicago Cubs need an ace and offer a big market fit. The St. Louis Cardinals have a young roster with payroll flexibility to make a big splash. The San Diego Padres are another team with a need in their rotation.
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