What happened: Tarik Skubal is set to test free agency following a 2026 campaign split between the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers, having captured consecutive American League Cy Young Awards in 2024 and 2025. The left-hander made 26 starts in 2026 despite missing six weeks following arthroscopic elbow surgery. Across six major league seasons, he has compiled a 2.92 ERA with 1,038 strikeouts over 893 1/3 innings.

Why it matters: After being acquired by Los Angeles at the trade deadline, Skubal enters the open market positioned to challenge the highest average annual values in major league history. Turning 30 in November, his combination of elite durability and two Cy Young Awards gives him rare leverage on the open market. His contract discussions are poised to establish a new pricing standard for front-line starting pitching.

What to watch: Free agency opens following the World Series, with negotiations expected to intensify ahead of the December 1 collective bargaining deadline.