Best 2026 free-agent starters other than Tarik Skubal

But the identity of the next-best starter is far less clear, adding uncertainty to the most consequential cohort of the free-agent market.

The drop after Skubal is significant, but there should still be value for teams that choose wisely. The question isn’t necessarily who was the best pitcher in 2026. It’s which starter offers the best combination of near-term performance, durability, upside…