The 2026-27 Major League Baseball offseason just got real, real fast, because back-to-back American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is already expected to snag a contract well north of $300 million. We could be talking about the largest pitcher deal in history, folks, and the hot stove is barely warming up.
Skubal’s Historic Market Is Absolutely Bonkers
This isn’t just another free agent. Skubal, rocking a 2.72 ERA, a .96 WHIP, 158.2 innings pitched, 27 walks, and 186 strikeouts last year, is the most coveted arm out there right now. ESPN is dropping reports that three clubs are ready to duke it out for him. The incumbent Los Angeles Dodgers, who picked him up from the Detroit Tigers in a deadline deal, are definitely in the mix. But don’t sleep on the New York Mets or the Chicago Cubs either. The buzz is the Cubs might not go as high, but the Mets? They’re coming at Skubal “more vigorously” than even the Dodgers right now. You gotta love this offseason chaos, especially with a potential lockout looming on December 1, making everyone rush.
Astros Interview Old Friend for Manager Gig
Meanwhile, down in Houston, the Astros are moving on from their AL West title season, which somehow ended with an 81-81 record and a negative run differential before getting swept in the first round of the postseason. Yeah, pretty wild. With Joe Espada’s contract not renewed after three seasons and Randy Flores stepping in as the new general manager, they’re on the hunt for a manager. And guess who MLB.com says was recently spotted at Daikin Park? None other than former Astros catcher, Brad Ausmus.
Ausmus, currently the Yankees bench coach, definitely has a strong Houston connection after playing 10 of his 18 major league seasons there. He also managed the Tigers for four seasons, going 314-322 from 2014-17, and the Angels for one in 2019, with his only playoff appearance coming in his first year with Detroit. It looks like the Astros are checking out an old friend to lead them forward.
What a start to the offseason, right? Skubal’s market is about to reshape what we think a pitcher is worth, and the Astros are already making moves to figure out who’s steering the ship next season. Every day brings something new, and we’re strapped in for the ride.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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