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NY Mets paying Tarik Skubal a record-setting pitcher salary isn't so difficult after 2027

The Mets have the financial flexibility to pay Tarik Skubal beyond 2027.
ByPat Ragazzo
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Oct 7, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) looks on before game four against the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Oct 7, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) looks on before game four against the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It won't be easy for the New York Mets to lure Tarik Skubal to Queens this offseason. It will certainly cost a record-setting amount of money on a long-term deal, which would be another major investment for team owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns.

The Mets are going to have to decide on whether they're a Skubal away from competing for a World Series title, and if he helps them contend in the long-term as well. They already have historic money invested in Juan Soto (15-years, $765 million), and they will need to be willing to give Skubal the largest contract for a starting pitcher in baseball history.

Why Tarik Skubal's contract works for the Mets past next season

The Mets have the financial flexibility beyond 2027 to put all of their eggs in the Skubal basket. Sean Manaea's $25 million and Jorge Polanco's $20 million will be coming off the books after next season, which should free up at least most of Skubal's yearly salary.

Let's say, financially speaking, Skubal exceeds Gerrit Cole's nine-years, $324 million and Yoshinobu Yamamoto's 12-years, $325 million. If Skubal, who turns 30 soon, receives an eight-year, $400 million deal it would pay him $50 million AAV.

Beyond Manaea and Polanco, the Mets will have $24 million coming off the luxury tax payroll for Marcus Semien following the 2028 season. Bo Bichette's $42 million AAV is guaranteed to be done after 2028 as well. Bichette has an opt-out after this season and next season. So, the next few years the Mets will have a lot of money freed up from bad contracts, and can focus on building around Skubal, Soto and Francisco Lindor.

How the Mets can build a winner after spending big on Skubal

The Mets must draft well and develop their next stars and depth in the coming years if they throw record-setting money at Skubal. The good news is that the team has already begun to do so with outfielders Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing, as well as young starters Nolan McLean, Christian Scott and Zac Thornton.

Should the Mets' trio of young starters continue to improve, the team will have solidified the top four spots in the rotation for many years to come: Skubal, McLean, Scott and Thornton. Not to mention, Jonah Tong is still just 23-years-old and is still expected to emerge as a big piece for the future.

If the Mets determine that Skubal is the missing addition to lead their rotation in the future, they must continue to develop talent behind him after making a major investment.

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