ESPN’s Buster Olney hinted that the Yankees are planning for a Tarik Skubal free agency splash in 2026. Here’s why the race for MLB’s top lefty is heating up early.
Is New York Playing the Long Game?
The Yankees might be looking way past this season—like, way past. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, New York could already be penciling in a monster name (and contract) for their 2026 free agency wishlist: Tarik Skubal.
Yup, that Tarik Skubal—the lefty ace currently dealing heat for the Detroit Tigers. During Sunday Night Baseball, Olney casually dropped a line that turned a few heads in Yankees Universe:
“Tarik Skubal is set to land $400 million after the 2026 season. The question is whether it will come from the Yankees, Dodgers or Mets.”
So yeah… if you’re a fan of offseason fireworks, circle winter 2026 on your calendar.
The Price Tag? Big. The Interest? Bigger.
$400 million for a pitcher sounds steep—until you watch Skubal pitch. He’s been absolutely filthy this season and has helped push Detroit to the top of the standings in 2025. Elite fastball, wipeout changeup, and command that makes hitters look silly? Check, check, and check.
Skubal isn’t just a “good” pitcher—he might be the best lefty in the game by the time 2026 hits. And if he keeps trending like this, he’s headed toward a Gerrit Cole-style bidding war.
Yankees, Dodgers, Mets: Big Market Battle Incoming
Let’s be honest: the Yankees love themselves a marquee free agent, especially one with Cy Young upside. But this won’t be a walk-off win like the old days.
The Dodgers have the resources and the recent track record of bagging big stars. Meanwhile, Steve Cohen’s Mets seem allergic to letting any bidding war go uncontested. When Olney says all three are in the mix? Believe it.
And don’t count out Detroit entirely. If they stay in contention, they might try to extend their homegrown ace before he hits the market.
Why It Matters Right Now
Sure, Skubal’s free agency is still a year and a half away, but front offices don’t sleep. If Olney’s right and teams are already budgeting for him, it could impact the Yankees’ other moves—think pitching depth, long-term deals, or even trade deadline strategies.
It’s like setting up your fantasy team weeks in advance—only with $400 million and a whole lot more pressure.
Quick Skubal Watch:
- Current Status: Ace of the Tigers, dominating in 2025
- Free Agent Timing: After the 2026 MLB season
- Teams in the Mix: Yankees, Dodgers, Mets (per Olney)
- Early Projection: Possible $400M deal
Final Pitch
No, the Yankees haven’t made any formal moves yet. But if baseball’s rumor mill is already churning this loudly, it means front offices are watching—and calculating. If Skubal stays on this trajectory, 2026 could bring one of the biggest pitching contracts in MLB history.
And yeah, you can bet the Bronx will be in the thick of it.
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