Mets Owner Steve Cohen Poised to Land Elite Pitcher

Detroit Tigers' Tarik Skubal could command record-breaking contract in free agency

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Detroit Tigers' star pitcher Tarik Skubal is set to become a free agent, and the New York Mets, led by billionaire owner Steve Cohen, are positioned to make a strong push to sign him. Skubal is expected to command the largest contract ever for a pitcher, and the Mets have shown a willingness to spend big to acquire top talent under Cohen's ownership.

Why it matters

Signing Skubal would be a major coup for the Mets, who are looking to build a championship-caliber roster. The Tigers may struggle to retain Skubal, who is not interested in taking a hometown discount, against the financial might of teams like the Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers.

The details

Tarik Skubal has emerged as one of the best pitchers in baseball over the past several seasons with the Detroit Tigers. However, the Tigers may be unable to match the lucrative contract offers Skubal is expected to receive from big-market teams like the Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers when he becomes a free agent. Mets owner Steve Cohen has shown a willingness to spend aggressively to build a championship roster, and landing Skubal would be a major statement of intent.

  • Tarik Skubal is set to become a free agent after the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A star pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who is expected to command a record-breaking contract as a free agent.

Steve Cohen

The billionaire owner of the New York Mets, who has shown a willingness to spend big to build a championship-caliber roster.

Zachary Rotman

A baseball analyst who believes the Mets could be a serious contender to sign Skubal.

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What they’re saying

“If the Tigers were unwilling to even entertain the thought of paying Skubal now, how can anyone choose to believe they'll win a bidding war with the likes of the Dodgers, Yankees and Mets in the mix? It's clear that Skubal is not interested in taking any sort of hometown discount to stay with Detroit based on how he's acted this entire process.”

— Zachary Rotman, Baseball Analyst (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Mets are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of Tarik Skubal once he hits free agency after the 2026 season, with owner Steve Cohen willing to spend big to land the elite pitcher.

The takeaway

The Mets' deep pockets and willingness to spend under Steve Cohen's ownership make them a serious contender to sign Tarik Skubal, one of the best pitchers in baseball, when he becomes a free agent. This potential signing would be a major statement of intent as the Mets look to build a championship-caliber roster.