The New York Mets are ready to make their free-agent pitch to Tarik Skubal.
The Mets are scheduled to meet the two-time AL Cy Young winner next week, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Skubal will reportedly take multiple meetings with teams in California.
New York is considered a favorite to sign the star left-hander because of its massive payroll and need for a top-of-the-rotation starter, per Heyman.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, another perceived leading favorite for Skubal, and the San Diego Padres have also been connected to the hurler this offseason. The Chicago Cubs are believed to be an unlikely destination due to labor uncertainty and other roster holes.
Skubal's reportedly expected to sign before a potential lockout begins Dec. 2.
The 29-year-old's next contract is projected to set an MLB record for a pitcher. Yoshinobu Yamamoto's 12-year, $325-million deal with the Dodgers in December 2023 is the benchmark for term and total money.
Skubal posted a 2.72 ERA with 0.96 WHIP and 10.6 K/9 over 158 2/3 innings (26 starts) between the Dodgers and Detroit Tigers in 2026.
