Cardinals Signing Tarik Skubal is a Great Idea That’ll Never Happen

Doc Holliday of Viva El Birdos argues that while signing free-agent pitcher Tarik Skubal makes sense on paper for the St. Louis Cardinals, the move will almost certainly never happen. The idea originated from an ESPN report by David Schoenfield that listed St. Louis as the second-best fit for Skubal behind the Chicago Cubs, citing an estimated 2027 Cardinals payroll of just $66 million that could easily accommodate an elite starter without sacrificing prospects.

However, Holliday notes significant obstacles, including competition from wealthy contenders like the Dodgers and Yankees that Skubal would likely favor over a rebuilding club. Additionally, Holliday points to past elbow bone chips, high contract estimates between $276 million and $500 million, and indications from Cardinals President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom that the team is not yet ready to accelerate its rebuilding timeline.