Cubs Bow Out of Tarik Skubal Pursuit

The Cubs are not expected to pursue Skubal this winter, putting the two-time Cy Young Award winner beyond what Chicago is likely willing to spend. The Dodgers and Mets are viewed as potential bidders with greater spending power, while uncertainty over labor could also affect the market.

Skubal joined Los Angeles from the Detroit Tigers at the 2026 trade deadline. He recorded a 2.61 ERA and struck out 70 batters in 62 innings during the second half of the season. He also had a positive experience with the Dodgers, a factor that could influence his free-agency decision.

The MLB General Manager Meetings are scheduled to begin Tuesday in Las Vegas, where teams often start discussing offseason moves. The Dodgers now appear to have a more direct chance to bring Skubal back for 2027 and beyond.

Chicago is expected to focus on strengthening its starting rotation after its season ended in a two-game wild-card sweep by the San Diego Padres. Pete Crow-Armstrong, a finalist for National League Most Valuable Player, and Alex Bregman struggled at the plate during the series.