Mets and Dodgers pursue free-agent ace Tarik Skubal as Padres enter race

The New York Mets plan to meet with free-agent left-hander Tarik Skubal next week in California, according to a source who spoke to ESPN. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns declined to comment on the pursuit during Tuesday’s general manager meetings. The team has an urgent need for a front-line starter after missing the postseason in each of the last two years.

Skubal, who turns 30 on November 20, went 12-7 with a 2.72 ERA over 158⅔ innings in 2026. He missed roughly five and a half weeks after surgery to remove a loose body from his left elbow. That was his third arm operation since Tommy John surgery in 2017.

“I know that he enjoyed his time here. We loved having him, so I think that's certainly helpful as far as these conversations go.”

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Skubal from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline and finished the season with him. General manager Brandon Gomes said the Dodgers expect to meet with Skubal in the coming days and noted that he enjoyed his time with the club.

The Dodgers are no longer viewed as the leading suitor. Insider Jon Heyman reported that the San Diego Padres are now second in the race, ahead of Los Angeles. Dodgers president Andrew Friedman prefers short, high-average-value contracts, and the club already faces a sizable competitive-balance-tax bill.

San Diego won 91 games and reached the NLDS, but Randy Vásquez is the only returning pitcher who made more than six starts in 2026. Skubal would give the Padres an ace to build around while weakening their top division rival.

Padres owner José E. Feliciano said in August that the club would live within its means while still wanting to win. Skubal is widely expected to set the record for annual average value and total value for a full-time pitcher.