Scott Boras, the agent for elite pitcher Tarik Skubal, stated that the value of a pitcher like Skubal is immense, translating to potential World Series titles for the team that acquires him.
"If we look over a 30- or 40-year period, we might have 10 of these aces that are capable of winning multiple Cy Young Awards," Boras said on Wednesday. He cited pitchers such as Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, and Max Scherzer, all of whom also won World Series titles, as examples of players whose talent allows a franchise to win a championship.
Skubal is scheduled to meet with the Mets and other teams in Southern California next week. His contract is expected to be substantial, potentially exceeding the record $325 million deal pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto received from the Dodgers three years ago.
When asked about the Mets' motivation as potential buyers this offseason, Boras commented, "That would be a question for them, but I think there are a lot of unfulfilled expectations in this league. There are teams that are really close."
Boras also referenced the Mets' signing of his client Juan Soto two years ago to a 15-year, $765 million contract. "The one thing that Soto does is you walk in and say, ‘I have got someone that has got a ring on his finger,’ " Boras said. "‘I have got someone who has proven himself to be a champion. I have got someone that in a championship performance, when most required, he is at his best. I have someone who is an elite talent.'"
Separately, Boras addressed the future of player Mark Vientos with the Mets, stating that Vientos' performance last season did not meet expectations. "He didn’t have the season we think he’s capable of having," said president of baseball operations David Stearns. "He’s going into the offseason as a really motivated player, and that is what came out of our exit meetings with him. This is someone who is very motivated to get his career back where it was a couple of years ago, and if he’s able to do that, he’s going to have an opportunity with us."