The Chicago Cubs are not expected to enter the bidding for star pitcher Tarik Skubal as the MLB offseason progresses.
While the team was initially viewed as a potential suitor for the pitcher, recent updates have clarified their stance.
ESPN reporter Jesse Rogers confirmed the shift in expectations in a report published Friday, “The Cubs won’t be in the bidding for Tarik Skubal, but any other pitcher on the market could be part of their plans,” reported ESPN.
Although the club is stepping back from this specific pursuit, the team remains active in the free agent market, as noted by ClutchPoints.
The organization is expected to focus on other pitching targets, with potential links to players such as Freddy Peralta and Michael King.
Speculation regarding why the team might avoid a pursuit of Skubal has centered on several factors.
The team may be hesitant to commit to a long-term contract for a veteran pitcher, or they may be wary of the record-breaking salary expectations surrounding the 29-year-old.
Skubal is widely considered one of the top pitchers in the game today.
He achieved back-to-back Cy Young awards while playing for the Detroit Tigers in 2024 and 2025.
Despite dealing with injury challenges during the 2026 season, he managed to appear in 26 games while splitting time between the Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, finishing with a 2.72 ERA.
The Cubs are entering this period looking to bolster their roster after a season in which they reached the postseason despite significant injury issues on the pitching staff.
The team was ultimately eliminated in the National League Wild Card round.
While the pursuit of Skubal appears to be off the table, the team continues to explore other options to address their need for pitching depth.
Fans should not anticipate a change in direction regarding Skubal, as the club shifts its focus to other available free agents.