White Sox: Targeting Tarik Skubal
The Chicago White Sox are positioned to bid for the two-time Cy Young winner as the Dodgers seek a new contender for their ace.
By Owen Turner ·
Chicago White Sox fans may soon see a new face anchoring their pitching staff. Jim Bowden of The Athletic identifies the White Sox as a primary candidate to sign Tarik Skubal during the upcoming free agency period. This development follows the Los Angeles Dodgers' elimination from the postseason, leaving the team without one of its key acquisitions from the current season.
Skubal arrived in Los Angeles via trade in July of 2025. He appeared in 10 games for the Dodgers, finishing with a 5-2 record and a 2.61 ERA. His performance included 70 strikeouts against 13 walks. As a two-time Cy Young Award winner, he is currently the top free agent on the market, barring a potential lockout scheduled for December 1.
The White Sox have prepared for this moment by restructuring their payroll. After finishing the 2024 season with a record of 41-121, the team moved off high-end contracts prior to the 2026 season. Last year, Chicago finished second in the American League Central with an 84-78 record. That performance earned them a wild-card berth, where they defeated the Houston Astros in a series sweep.
The organization has already demonstrated a willingness to spend in free agency. They signed Munetaka Murakami to a two-year contract worth $34 million last year. Their current starting rotation relies on young core members Sean Burke, who has a 3.34 ERA, and Grant Taylor, who holds a 2.25 ERA. Adding Skubal would place a proven ace at the top of that staff.
Financial projections suggest Skubal will command the highest annual average value in Major League Baseball history. Bowden estimates a total contract value between $350 million and $500 million. This figure would align his annual salary with Shohei Ohtani, who has a $70 million AAV before deferrals, and Zach Wheeler, who has a $42 million AAV.
The Dodgers remain in the conversation despite their recent exit. Mark Walter, the team owner, spoke with Jack Harris of The California Post about the club's strategy. Walter stated that he plans to continue issuing top-tier contracts to free agents. He indicated that the Dodgers are prepared to offer a high figure to retain Skubal in Los Angeles.
The decision will likely hinge on the final terms of the contract. The White Sox have cleared financial space to make a competitive offer. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have a history of investing heavily in marquee players. Both teams are positioned to make substantial financial commitments in the coming weeks.
Source: New York Post
