Jeff Passan projects Tarik Skubal could receive 490 million dollar contract

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Tarik Skubal at the 2026 MLB trade deadline, positioning the club to potentially re-sign the pitcher during the upcoming offseason. ESPN analyst Jeff Passan suggests Skubal could command a contract worth approximately 490 million dollars as he enters free agency. This projection doubles the 245 million dollar record set by Stephen Strasburg for a pitcher aged 30 or older. Skubal, who turns 30 in November, won American League Cy Young Awards in 2024 and 2025. He maintains a 2.84 ERA for the current season across appearances with the Detroit Tigers and the Dodgers. Any deal of this scale would represent a significant financial commitment, especially given his status as a pitcher who occupies a roster spot for 33 games per season.

• 2:24 PMYahoo Sports — Dodgers get ridiculous $490M Tarik Skubal free agency projection