Tarik Skubal’s Future and the Mets’ Needs

LAS VEGAS — Tarik Skubal finds himself in a unique position this week, being a contender for back-to-back American League Cy Young Awards.

The Mets, coming off a tough season where their starting rotation fell apart, are on the lookout for a reliable ace. With owner Steve Cohen’s considerable resources, there’s also the question of how to retain such talent.

On the flip side, the Tigers may choose to hang on to Skubal for one more season as they aim to be more competitive next year.

Mets officials are currently in talks regarding Skubal, who will turn 29 this month. They believe acquiring him would require four top prospects, likely including three from the organization’s top ten and one from the top twenty.

If they decide not to trade top prospect Nolan McLean—who seems key in their plans for next season—they might consider names like Carson Benge, Jett Williams, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat.

The potential next wave of prospects includes Jacob Reimer, AJ Ewing, Ryan Clifford, Mitch Voit, and Elian Peña. Meanwhile, the Tigers might still look for a solid middle-of-the-rotation pitcher who can contribute immediately as they prepare for 2026.

It raises the question: could the Mets offer Clay Holmes or David Peterson to make a deal more palatable for the Tigers?

The Mets had previously attempted to acquire left-hander Garrett Crochet last winter, but he ended up going to Boston in exchange for four prospects. The White Sox had shown a strong interest in trading Crochet prior to his free agency, yet the Tigers might prefer to wait until next year’s trade deadline for Skubal, perhaps expecting a lesser return.

The Mets’ chances of extending Skubal before his contract ends might be reduced, particularly since he is represented by Scott Boras—a figure known for guiding clients to free agency.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto set the bar high for free agent pitchers with his 12-year, $325 million deal from the Dodgers after the 2023 season, but Skubal’s upcoming contract could potentially surpass that.

Currently, the Mets lack a true ace, although McLean did hint at that potential last season, posting a 2.06 ERA over eight starts after being called up from Triple-A Syracuse in August.

If the Mets are eyeing free-agent aces, they might target names such as Dylan Cease, Ranger Suarez, and Framber Valdez, shifting away from the initial strategies employed by Stearns in his first couple of offseasons in charge of the front office.