The Dodgers are known for keeping their free agency plans close to the vest, and this offseason is no exception, especially regarding Tarik Skubal.
During a press conference following the team’s recent sweep by the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series, Andrew Friedman, the president of baseball operations, skillfully dodged a direct question about Skubal. His lengthy response revealed little about the Dodgers’ intentions to potentially retain him.
Friedman acknowledged Skubal’s impressive credentials as a two-time Cy Young Award winner. The Dodgers had acquired him in a significant trade with the Detroit Tigers in August, and he faced the challenges typical of mid-season trades.
“It’s not easy for a guy to get traded in the middle of a season to come to a new city, new clubhouse,” Friedman noted. “You have set routines, and you have to make those adjustments.”
He also praised how Skubal managed to adapt quickly, making a notable impact despite the Dodgers’ struggles to secure a third consecutive World Series title.
“The way he was able to seamlessly transition, not just on the field but in the clubhouse, I can’t say enough good things about his impact in such a short time,” Friedman added. “We have a tremendous amount of respect for him on and off the field.”
However, Friedman did not commit to an all-in approach for re-signing Skubal this winter nor did he indicate that the team would go to any lengths to secure him, even as speculation grows that the soon-to-be 30-year-old could surpass Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s record of a $325 million contract for a pitcher.
It was somewhat expected, considering the team’s prior tendency to downplay their aggressiveness regarding top players.
By holding back during the press conference, Friedman left room for speculation about the Dodgers’ position in the Skubal negotiations.
“He’s put himself in this position to go out and be a free agent,” Friedman said, indicating that discussions would occur with Skubal’s agent, Scott Boras, as the winter progresses. “He and his family have to make a choice about where they want to spend the next X number of years, and obviously we wish him nothing but the best.”
It’s still early in the offseason, and the Dodgers have demonstrated their ability to pursue high-profile free agents in previous years, so it’s hard to count them out entirely.
That said, there’s been some industry chatter regarding whether the Dodgers are truly prepared to offer Skubal the extensive, lucrative deal he’ll be aiming for.
The team already has considerable financial commitments tied to players like Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Mookie Betts. They are positioned to have a competitive rotation next year, assuming continued development from pitchers like Justin Wrobleski and Roki Sasaki, alongside the hope that Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow can stay healthy.
Much may hinge on the upcoming negotiations for the league’s collective bargaining agreement, which could lead to a salary cap or other significant changes to how finances are structured in the league, especially with a potential lockout looming on December 1.
It’s uncertain whether Skubal will seek a contract before then, particularly with the Mets, Cubs, Angels, and Yankees also in the mix as potential bidders.
As for the Dodgers, how they handle long-term payroll may also shift depending on the new CBA’s stipulations.
For now, they remain an unpredictable factor in his free agency. They possess the means to execute a historic deal if they decide to. They have previously shown aggression in securing players who could enhance their World Series prospects. But if they are indeed planning a strong effort to bring Skubal back, they’re certainly not showing their cards yet.
“We’re still wrapping our arms around our off-season plan and strategy and timing of things,” Friedman said, keeping his intentions close to his chest.
