Mets Skip Skubal Record Deal for 8 Smarter Pitcher Options

The New York Mets are reportedly weighing eight alternative starting pitchers instead of giving Tarik Skubal a record contract.

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel revealed this week that some around the league believe Skubal will land a long-term deal in the “$325–400 million area” or a short-term pact with a high annual average, “such as three years, $150 million with two opt-outs.”

That price could make Mets decision-makers uncomfortable for a non-everyday player.

So the club is exploring other options.

Here are the eight alternatives, starting with the most notable name: Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins.

Alcantara won the 2022 Cy Young Award.

There have been rumors for years about the Marlins possibly trading him.

Yet four years later, he remains in South Beach.

The belief around the game the last two years is that they held on to him because they wanted to see him improve his trade value after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Alcantara posted a 3.45 ERA in 2026 with 176 strikeouts over 192 innings.

He is owed $17.3 million in 2027 and $17.3 million in 2028, with a $21 million club option for 2029.

That is far cheaper than Skubal’s projected $35–45 million annual salary.

Next on the list is Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins.

In a surprising move this week, the Twins declined their mutual option for Ryan.

Although he finished the season with a 4.60 ERA, Ryan is a two-time All-Star and is in the middle of his prime at 30 years old.

A starting staff led by Ryan and Nolan McLean would be a good reason for hope of a far more competitive year in 2027.

Michael King of the San Diego Padres is another option.

While many Mets fans hope the team gets Skubal, it’s unlikely because of how much money they already have invested in other players.

King has been a borderline All-Star for much of the last six seasons.

He should intrigue the club because he can handle the Gotham spotlight after having success with the New York Yankees early in his career.

This fall, he showed he can also handle the pressure of playoff baseball after some stellar performances.

King posted a 3.28 ERA in 2026 with 198 strikeouts over 178 innings.

He is projected to command a deal in the $18–22 million annual range.

Other names on the list include veteran innings-eaters and bounce-back candidates.

The Mets’ pivot comes after a miserable last year and a half that included a historic collapse to end the 2025 season.

The 2026 season is mercifully in the rearview.

Now New York can turn its focus to improving the roster.

With a lockout expected to start on Dec. 1, many are predicting a lot of activity around the league before new payroll rules are implemented from a new collective bargaining agreement.

Once free agency opens, the Mets will reportedly be in on the top player available this winter — Skubal.

But the asking price may force them elsewhere.

Skubal was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season after close to seven years with the Detroit Tigers.

He recorded a 2.72 ERA with 186 strikeouts and a 12-7 record in 26 combined starts in 2026.

The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner turns 30 in November.

His next contract is expected to shatter the record for largest pitcher deal in baseball history.

MLB insider Jim Bowden said on CBS Sports: “One thing that we do know, when it’s all said and done, there will not be a pitcher in baseball that makes more money ever in the history of the game than Tarik Skubal.”

Bowden also said the Chicago Cubs will “make a run” at Skubal.

“They absolutely do have the money, without a doubt,” Bowden said.

“Will the Cubs make a run? We’re hearing yes.”

The San Diego Padres have also emerged as a dark-horse suitor.

According to MLB insider Robert Murray on The Baseball Insiders podcast, the Padres could be primed to make an aggressive splash following the arrival of a new ownership group.

“That new ownership group got a taste of what winning was like… I could see, very easily, the San Diego Padres exploring Skubal,” Murray noted.

The Padres simply lack the realistic financial flexibility to commit $35 million to $45-plus million annually to Skubal.

With massive, long-term pacts already guaranteed to Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Xander Bogaerts, San Diego’s front office has spent recent cycles prioritizing payroll discipline and ducking luxury-tax penalties.