What happened: Tarik Skubal, 29, can become a free agent this offseason after winning consecutive Cy Young awards. The left-hander has struck out 41 batters across his past 31 innings.
Why it matters: His limited remaining club control could make him a stretch-run rental unless a new contract follows. Back-to-back Cy Young awards and his recent form raise the likely acquisition cost.
By the numbers: Skubal has a 2.03 ERA in his past five starts, averaging 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings over that span.
What to watch: Watch whether an offer materializes before Monday's 6 p.m. EDT deadline or Skubal stays in place for the stretch run.