Tarik Skubal free agency: 2 reasons Mets are favorites to sign ace

The New York Mets are emerging as the frontrunners to sign left-handed ace Tarik Skubal in free agency, and two key factors are driving that status. First, the Mets' financial flexibility and willingness to spend under owner Steve Cohen give them a clear edge in pursuing top-tier talent. Second, Skubal's ties to the organization, including his relationship with Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner from their time together in Detroit, create a natural fit. Skubal, the 2024 American League Cy Young Award winner, is coming off a dominant season with the Detroit Tigers, posting an 18-4 record and a 2.39 ERA. His potential addition would instantly bolster a Mets rotation that already features Kodai Senga and David Peterson. For the Mets, landing Skubal would signal a continued commitment to building a championship contender after their deep playoff run in 2024. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on whether the Mets can close the deal and secure one of baseball's most coveted arms.