League: MLB Sport: Baseball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Yankees face spending freeze as Skubal deal looms before December

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 9, 2026, 11:08 AM

Last updated Oct 9, 2026

Yankees face spending freeze as Skubal deal looms before December

Summary

MLB insiders predict Tarik Skubal will secure a contract potentially reaching $500 million before season's end. Aaron Judge urges the New York Yankees to invest heavily to address roster needs after the team's recent ALDS sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays. With a collective bargaining agreement set to expire on December 1, concerns grow that a potential lockout may halt all transactions, risking the Yankees' chances to bolster their lineup. Twenty-one of 27 insiders believe Skubal will sign before this deadline, leaving the Yankees with limited time to make necessary moves.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Judge calls for the Yankees to improve their roster after ALDS elimination.
•Skubal, a two-time AL Cy Young winner, is the most sought-after free agent.
•The Yankees recorded a 93-68 regular season but fell short in playoffs.
•A potential lockout could freeze all team spending and transactions.
•Insiders expect Skubal's deal to emerge before the December 1 deadline.

Latest Updates

11:08 AMYahoo Sports — Skubal Deal Could Freeze Yankees Spending Before December

What they're saying

"
MLB insiders predict Tarik Skubal will land a massive contract. Aaron Judge wants the Yankees to spend big, but a December lockout might stop them.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Los Angeles Dodgers New York Yankees Tampa Bay Rays MLB Baseball