MLB free agency just kicked off, and if you thought the Brewers winning their first-ever World Series was big, get ready for the hot stove to truly explode. Two-time Cy Young ace Tarik Skubal is the top prize on the market, and he’s not just looking for a new team, he’s looking to reshape the entire pitcher contract landscape.
The Skubal Sweepstakes: Record Books on Notice
Next week is going to be massive for Skubal, with the New York Mets already scheduled for a meeting in California. The Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns, isn’t talking, but the fit is obvious. After missing the postseason for two straight seasons, they desperately need a front-line starter. Plus, owner Steve Cohen has the cash to make it happen, especially with their rotation having major question marks beyond rookie Nolan McLean and Christian Scott. But don’t think it’s a done deal for the Mets. Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes confirmed Los Angeles also expects to meet with Skubal soon. He even mentioned Skubal enjoyed his time with the Dodgers after they picked him up at the trade deadline. We’re talking about a pitcher who’s expected to set new records for both average annual value and total value. The current benchmarks? Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander share the AAV crown at $43.3 million, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 12-year, $325 million deal set the total value mark. Get ready for those numbers to get a serious challenge.
Yankees Eye a Familiar Face in Alec Bohm
While the top-tier arms are grabbing headlines, some other interesting moves are simmering. The New York Yankees have expressed serious interest in Philadelphia Phillies infielder Alec Bohm, according to the New York Post. Bohm is coming off a bit of a down year in 2026, by his own standards. He still drove in a respectable 88 runs, but his .698 OPS, 87 OPS+, and -0.2 wins above replacement aren’t exactly screaming “superstar.” The 2024 All-Star found himself moved from third base to first base full-time for the Phillies after they acquired Luis Arráez and shifted Bryce Harper back to right field. If Bohm lands in the Bronx, it sounds like he’d be heading back to third base. The Yankees already have Luis García Jr. and 2026 All-Star Ben Rice at first base, meaning current third baseman Ryan McMahon would likely shift to second or maybe even the bench.
Detroit’s Bullpen Gets a Shot in the Arm
On the relief pitching front, the Detroit Tigers just locked down right-handed reliever Emilio Pagán with a one-year deal reportedly worth around $11 million. The 35-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, and he’s been pretty solid, averaging a 3.07 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 63 strikeouts, 29.5 saves, and a 140 ERA+ per year from 2025-26. This is a big pickup for a Tigers bullpen that finished last season 12th in MLB in both ERA (3.84) and WHIP (1.26), and tied for 12th in opponent batting average (.233). Pagán is quite the journey man too, as the Tigers will be his seventh MLB team.
And speaking of big changes, the Padres have new owners this offseason. Word is, they might not be trying to stay at or near the luxury tax threshold anymore, a big shift from how San Diego has operated the past few seasons. The full implications are still unfolding, but you know that could shake things up big time for that roster.
This is just the start of free agency, folks! With big names like Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato also expected to get top dollar, the next few weeks are going to be wild. Keep those eyes peeled for more bombshells!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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