Skubal and King Headline Pitching Market Before Dec. 1 Deadline

General managers concluded their meetings in Las Vegas on Thursday, setting the stage for a critical offseason window. The primary driver of early urgency is the impending MLB cutoff, with the current collective bargaining agreement set to end on the night of Dec. 1. This looming deadline has already sparked significant roster moves and established a highly competitive starting pitching market.

Starting Pitchers Command Attention

The starting pitching market is developing quickly following Michael King's decision to re-enter free agency. King opted out after the first year of his three-year, $75 million contract with the San Diego Padres. The right-hander produced a 3.15 ERA over three seasons as a full-time starter in San Diego.

Attention is also heavily focused on Tarik Skubal, who is represented by agent Scott Boras. Unconfirmed reports indicate Boras will look to make Skubal the highest-paid pitcher in the sport's history. As a benchmark for the top end of the starting pitcher market, the Dodgers previously gave Yoshinobu Yamamoto a 12-year, $325 million contract. While unverified, the New York Mets are currently considered the favorites to land Skubal, and there is reported speculation that one of the top teams might pounce on signing him before a potential lockout.

Early Signings Beat the Cutoff

Several franchises have already secured talent ahead of the Dec. 1 deadline. The Boston Red Sox signed reigning NLCS MVP Jake Bauers to a four-year, $58 million deal. Bauers entered the open market after he declined his qualifying offer in Milwaukee.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves struck a three-year deal for longtime Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips. The contract marks a reunion for Phillips, who returns to the team that drafted him in 2015.

Brewers Navigate Post-Championship Offseason

In Milwaukee, the Brewers are managing the immediate aftermath of a championship run. After Brewers manager Pat Murphy won the World Series, he was already looking ahead to the future with Matt Arnold, the team's head of baseball operations.

According to Arnold, the eager manager approached him shortly after securing the title.

"Hey, I have some thoughts for spring training in ‘27,’" Murphy said.

Arnold's response highlighted the need for a brief pause before diving back into long-term roster construction.

"Not right now. Now’s not the time," Arnold replied.