MLB Rumors: White Sox surprisingly join Dodgers, Mets as best fits for Tarik Skubal
Chicago has been named among the strongest potential fits for the two-time Cy Young winner ahead of a potentially historic free-agent deal
The Chicago White Sox have already defied expectations by returning to the MLB playoffs, but their next move could be even more surprising if they decide to pursue Tarik Skubal in free agency.
After finishing the 2024 season with a disastrous 41-121 record, Chicago has undergone a dramatic transformation under manager Will Venable , culminating in an 84-win campaign and an appearance in the American League Division Series.
That progress has raised expectations on the South Side, with former MLB general manager Jim Bowden identifying the White Sox as a potential destination for one of baseball's most coveted pitchers.
Writing in The Athletic, Bowden placed Chicago alongside two considerably wealthier organizations when assessing Skubal's future.
"Best team fits: New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox," Bowden wrote.
The assessment is surprising given Chicago's recent financial approach, although identifying the White Sox as a suitable destination does not establish that negotiations have taken place.
Chicago's remarkable improvement has changed the conversation surrounding the franchise, which won just 60 games in 2025 before securing a postseason berth this year.
The White Sox defeated the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round before surrendering a 2-0 series advantage against the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS.
Although that elimination ended their championship hopes, it demonstrated that Venable 's developing roster could compete against established contenders.
General manager Chris Getz now faces the challenge of strengthening a rotation featuring promising starters Sean Burke and Davis Martin .
Skubal would provide an immediate upgrade, bringing experience, postseason pedigree and the consistency expected from a frontline starter.
His potential arrival would also send a significant message about Chicago's willingness to invest in its recent success.
Dodgers face expensive decision
Skubal joined the Los Angeles Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers at the 2026 trade deadline, strengthening a rotation assembled to pursue a third consecutive World Series championship.
Across both teams, the 29-year-old finished the regular season with a 12-7 record, 2.72 ERA and 186 strikeouts in 158.2 innings.
He was particularly effective following his move to Los Angeles, recording a 2.61 ERA over 10 starts.
However, the Dodgers ' championship ambitions ended when the Milwaukee Brewers swept them in the National League Championship Series.
Los Angeles must now decide how aggressively to pursue Skubal 's long-term future, with the Mets and potentially other wealthy franchises positioned to enter the bidding.
Skubal contract projection raises major question
Bowden believes Skubal could secure a deal worth between $350 million and $500 million, potentially setting new standards for pitcher contracts.
"Anywhere from $350-$500 million depending on length of contract," Bowden predicted.
Such figures would represent an extraordinary financial commitment for Chicago, requiring owner Jerry Reinsdorf to authorize spending far beyond the franchise's usual approach.
Skubal 's representation by Scott Boras adds another dimension to negotiations, with the prominent agent known for pursuing substantial long-term agreements.
Whether the White Sox are prepared to make such an investment remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, their inclusion among Skubal 's potential destinations reflects how dramatically the franchise's position has changed.
Chicago has already demonstrated that it can return to postseason contention. The next question is whether its ownership will provide the financial backing necessary to pursue baseball's most expensive free agents.
