Expect a pre-lockout MLB free agency frenzy

Major League Baseball's free agency market is entering a pre-lockout frenzy centered on star pitcher Tarik Skubal, according to coverage from the New York Post, Yahoo Sports, MLB.com, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, The Detroit News, WATE 6 On Your Side, Magzter, Dallas News, USA Today, and The New York Times. The New York Post frames the moment as an expected pre-lockout MLB free agency frenzy, while multiple outlets report that Skubal is the central figure driving the urgency. MLB.com reports that the Mets are set to meet with Skubal next week, with team executive David Stearns stating there is "no question" the team will add pitching. Yahoo Sports reports that the Mets and Blue Jays received a candid outlook on Skubal from an insider, and that Toronto was "right there" for Shohei Ohtani, making a Skubal signing with the Blue Jays a legitimate possibility. Coverage also indicates the Dodgers are in the mix, though Yahoo Sports reports a long-term offer is "not on the table" for Los Angeles in a concerning development, and another update is described as bad news for the Dodgers. Bleacher Report has published rumors on industry favorites to land Skubal amid Mets and Dodgers links, ranked his landing spots with mystery team predictions, and explored whether he could take a short-term, high-AAV contract, breaking down the pros and cons. The Detroit News asks who will win the Skubal jackpot and identifies teams to watch, including the Tigers. WATE 6 On Your Side quotes agent Scott Boras quipping that when his phone rings, it is "just another owner begging to meet with Skubal." The New York Times reports that baseball is booming and quotes Boras saying that is exactly why MLB does not need a salary cap, while USA Today reports Boras says MLB has a "Sku-bull" market and that players are emboldened for an offseason war. Dallas News describes Boras holding court with his big-time Rangers client looming like the lockout. The New York Times also notes all eyes are on Tarik Skubal, plus historic, unanimous Cy Young winners. Magzter asks whether Skubal and the Dodgers will keep on rolling. The coverage does not yet specify when a decision will be made, what contract terms Skubal is seeking, or whether a lockout is certain.