Tarik Skubal, the ace left-hander, watched his Los Angeles Dodgers face elimination in the NLCS during Game 4 on Thursday night. With free agency looming this offseason, he is expected to be the top free agent available, likely commanding a significant contract.

Following the game, Skubal remained tight-lipped about his future, stating, "I'm not going to comment on my future really at all. Today sucks, you know, and that's kind of where my head's at."

This marks Skubal's third consecutive year in the playoffs, yet he has yet to make it to the World Series. His deepest postseason run came with the Dodgers this year, having previously reached the ALDS with the Detroit Tigers in 2024 and 2025.

At 29 years old, Skubal is a two-time American League Cy Young winner from 2024 and 2025. This season, he dealt with an elbow injury that required NanoScope surgery, but he made a swift recovery, missing only from April 29 to June 13.

During the season, Skubal recorded:

• 26 starts
• 12-7 record
• 2.72 ERA (155 ERA+)
• 0.96 WHIP
• 186 strikeouts in 158 ⅔ innings

Although his 4.6 WAR was lower than the previous two seasons, he only had five fewer starts. The Tigers, concerned about the impending free agency, traded him to the Dodgers for top prospect Zyhir Hope.

As Skubal approaches free agency, uncertainty looms due to the expiring CBA and potential salary cap discussions. This could delay his contract negotiations until after an agreement is reached. For now, Skubal and the Dodgers prepare for the offseason.