Skubal's injury impact, lockout effects and more: ...
Key takeaways
- Here are the topics that come up most often with MLB executives, scouts and agents surrounding 2026-27 free agency.
- What will Skubal's market look like following his third elbow procedure?
- Skubal had Tommy John surgery in college in 2016, had flexor tendon surgery in August 2022 and just underwent surgery to remove loose bodies in his left elbow earlier this month.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
From the impact of Tarik Skubal's injury to the lockout implications, here are the biggest questions surrounding MLB's upcoming free agency. Steven King/Icon Sportswire Kiley Mc Daniel May 11, 2026, 07:00 AM ETClose ESPN MLB Insider Kiley Mc Daniel covers MLB prospects, the MLB Draft and more, including trades and free agency. Has worked for three MLB teams. Co-author of Author of 'Future Value' Follow on XMultiple Authors Email Print Open Extended Reactions We're about a quarter of the way through the 2026 Major League Baseball season, and while storylines for the rest of the year are coming together, let's skip ahead to the offseason.
There are many elements to consider already: Tarik Skubal's elbow surgery, labor negotiations getting underway, a potentially expedited pre-lockout free agency, big market clubs such as the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies swooning early, and a muddy free agent class beyond Skubal add to the intrigue around the upcoming winter.
Here are the topics that come up most often with MLB executives, scouts and agents surrounding 2026-27 free agency.