Cubs Expected to Step Back From Tarik Skubal Pursuit
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Despite a desperate need for rotation depth, Chicago is unlikely to engage in a bidding war for the reigning Cy Young winner.
As Major League Baseball faces a looming lockout on Dec. 2 and ongoing CBA negotiations, the offseason is accelerating. According to MLB Network, as CBS Sports reports, the upcoming General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas from Nov. 10-12 could see more activity than usual, as teams may seek to fortify rosters before potential CBA changes take effect.
Central to this activity is the pursuit of free agent ace Tarik Skubal. The 29-year-old left-hander, who previously won back-to-back American League Cy Young awards, is described by CBS Sports as the prize of the offseason. While the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs were previously viewed as the most serious bidders, the field is narrowing.
Reporting from the Athletic indicates that the Chicago Cubs are now expected to stay on the sidelines once the bidding for Skubal becomes serious. This comes despite the fact that Chicago is in need of rotation help for the 2027 season and beyond. CBS Sports notes that this lack of aggression may disappoint fans awaiting higher payroll investments from the Ricketts family to match the status of a big-market contender.