Blue Jays Join Pursuit of Tarik Skubal

The Toronto Blue Jays are entering the competition to sign Tarik Skubal, the two-time Cy Young Award winner, with a meeting expected next week in Orange County, California. The Mets, Padres and Dodgers are also expected to meet with the left-handed pitcher, along with at least two other clubs whose identities have not been disclosed.

The Mets are viewed as leading contenders. They have made upgrading their rotation a priority since the end of the season, with Nolan McLean currently at the top of the staff, and are considered able to compete financially for Skubal.

Toronto is seeking a rebound after finishing 79-83 and last in its division in 2026, a year after a strong World Series season. The club has regularly pursued top free agents, including Shohei Ohtani and outfielder Kyle Tucker, before both signed with the Dodgers.

Skubal, regarded as one of baseball’s top pitchers, is drawing interest from a growing field of teams. The meetings expected next week will bring Toronto into that group as the clubs pursue a major addition to their rotations.