“We’ve seen how Stan Kroenke handled the Rams” – Ex-Reds GM sees obstacles to Tarik Skubal’s potential Dodgers reunion

Former Cincinnati Reds general manager Jim Bowden believes the Los Angeles Dodgers face significant obstacles in retaining pitcher Tarik Skubal in free agency. Speaking on 97.1 LA The Fan, Bowden noted that agent Scott Boras, Mets owner Steve Cohen, and new Angels owner Stan Kroenke could complicate the Dodgers' efforts. Bowden expects Skubal to become the highest-paid pitcher in baseball history either by total value or average annual value.

Bowden suggested the Dodgers would prefer a short-term, high-AAV contract similar to Kyle Tucker's four-year, $240 million deal. Meanwhile, former outfielder Kevin Pillar stated that the Toronto Blue Jays will likely stay out of the sweepstakes after missing the 2026 playoffs, having already signed ace Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract.