Skubal Stands Alone in Weak 2026 Free Agent Class

Looking toward the 2026-27 offseason, CBS Sports describes the upcoming free agent class as one of the weakest in recent memory, as the outlet first reported. The report notes a lack of new building blocks for franchises, consisting largely of pitchers suited as No. 3 starters and position players who fit as the third-best option in a contender's lineup.

Amidst this lean crop, Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal is identified by CBS Sports as the "clear-cut, inarguable No. 1 free agent." The outlet reports that, excluding Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Skubal will be the premier starter to hit the open market since Gerrit Cole in 2019. Despite some struggles following NanoScope surgery on his pitching elbow in May, Skubal is characterized as a bona fide ace with elite bat-missing and hard-contact limitation abilities. CBS Sports highlights his postseason success and his age as indicators that he has several peak years remaining, listing the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers as potential landing spots.

Other top-ranked names in the class include Jazz Chisholm Jr., a power-hitting middle infielder; Adrian Morejon, a high-velocity reliever who could transition to the rotation; Seiya Suzuki, a right-handed bat with defensive value; and Randy Arozarena. However, the report suggests that while these players provide value, Skubal is the only legitimate star and "capital-A ace" atop the rankings.

Adding to the uncertainty of the offseason is a looming lockout likely on Dec. 2, with labor talks casting a cloud over how aggressive teams will be in November.