The Los Angeles Dodgers, already favored to snag the 2026 MLB World Series trophy, are gearing up to dominate the offseason player market as well. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley is predicting they’ll lock down star pitcher Tarik Skubal, who they nabbed at the trade deadline this year, with a jaw-dropping, likely record-breaking decade-long commitment. Skubal is hitting free agency, and if this prediction holds true, it’s going to send shockwaves through the league.
Buckley Says Skubal Is Staying In LA For The Long Haul
Buckley is not holding back, flat-out stating that the Dodgers will win the Skubal sweepstakes for the second time, predicting a 10-year deal that keeps him in Los Angeles. This guy is easily the best player set to hit the open market this offseason, and he’s going to play his cards close. While the New York Mets, New York Yankees, and other big-spenders are absolutely going to show serious interest, the Dodgers clearly hold the upper hand. They already won the bidding war at the MLB trade deadline when they got him from the Detroit Tigers, and their financial muscle means they can make the kind of massive, long-term commitment other teams might balk at.
The Risk Is Real, But The Reward Is Skubal
A 10-year deal for a pitcher who’s going to be 30 at the start of the 2027 season, especially one who just had elbow surgery in the middle of the season, is a massive gamble. But if there’s one team that consistently proves they’re not afraid of such risks, it’s the Dodgers. They’ve got the financial advantage to make those risky deals pay off in the long run. Skubal isn’t just any pitcher, either. This is the 2024 and 2025 AL Cy Young winner we’re talking about, the exact kind of talent worth signing to a record-setting deal with significant long-term risks. While other clubs might be stuck trying to put together shorter contracts, the Dodgers are poised to lock him up for a decade, a move most teams just aren’t comfortable making.
The offseason is coming fast, and Skubal is about to become the hottest commodity in baseball. All eyes will be on his agent and the Dodgers’ front office. If Buckley’s prediction of a decade-long commitment comes true, it’s going to solidify the Dodgers’ grip on the league for years to come and set a wild precedent for pitching contracts across the sport.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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