MLB teams have been closely examining Tarik Skubal’s medical reports as the star pitcher approaches free agency, with a potential $400 million contract on the horizon. The Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers left scouts and executives impressed by Skubal’s durability and recovery despite a series of elbow surgeries.
Skubal, who turns 30 on November 20, has undergone three notable procedures since 2019. He had Tommy John surgery that year, followed by flexor tendon surgery in 2022, and recently had surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow last season. He returned from that latest operation after only four weeks. These interventions have drawn attention during the offseason as teams consider the long-term investment required to sign him.
At the general managers’ meetings on Monday, teams interested in Skubal reviewed his medicals in detail, according to Will Sammon, Ken Rosenthal, and Katie Woo of The Athletic. They reported that executives want “a better understanding of what to expect” concerning his health given his injury history and upcoming milestone birthday.
Despite these concerns, multiple scouts and executives told The Athletic they had no reservations about Skubal’s physical condition or pitching mechanics. One executive who tracked Skubal closely over the final two months of the 2026 season said, “Skubal’s 925 1/3 innings since his call-up in 2020 make him as durable as anyone.” This assessment points to his ability to sustain performance over a significant workload.
Skubal’s reputation as one of baseball’s top pitchers remains intact. He won two American League Cy Young Awards with Detroit and was traded to the Dodgers this past season. The positive feedback from evaluators suggests that teams see him as a worthwhile risk despite his medical history.
The size of the contract on the table reflects Skubal’s value in the marketplace. While no official offers have been made, the expected deal could reach $400 million. This would place him among the highest-paid players in the sport, prompting clubs to weigh the financial commitment against the potential for injury setbacks.
The medical scrutiny is part of a broader trend as teams invest heavily in free agents with histories of elbow and arm surgeries. Executives want to ensure that players can maintain their form and availability over the length of their contracts.
Skubal’s case illustrates the tension between past injuries and current performance. He has consistently delivered “elite value” when healthy, returning quickly after absences. His pitching mechanics have not raised red flags among scouts, which contributes to his appeal.
As the offseason progresses, it remains unclear which teams will pursue Skubal aggressively or break the bank for his services. The Dodgers, who acquired him midseason, have not publicly commented on their intentions. The market for top-tier pitching remains competitive.
For now, the focus is on the medical evaluations and how they influence negotiations. Skubal’s health reports are under intense review, with teams gathering information to inform their offers. The $400 million figure sets a high bar, making the assessment of risk and durability a central issue in the coming weeks.
According to Yahoo Sports.
