Tarik Skubal will probably remain in the National League regardless of where he signs this offseason.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are the most obvious destinations because they carry the two highest payrolls in MLB, Jeff Passan from ESPN reported Monday.

Passan added that Skubal is expected to sign a contract before the anticipated MLB lockout begins Dec. 1.

Skubal, 29, has won two Cy Young Awards and previously captured the Pitching Triple Crown with the Detroit Tigers. As the leading player in a relatively weak free agent class, he is expected to receive a record-breaking contract this offseason.

Several dark horse contenders have also become connected to Skubal in recent weeks.

Passan reported that the Chicago Cubs badly want to sign the left-hander. However, they are skeptical about matching the expected price, which should comfortably exceed $300 million and could move beyond $400 million.

The San Diego Padres also need someone to lead their rotation because Michael King and Nick Pivetta are free agents. Adding arguably the best pitcher in MLB would provide more than an adequate solution.

“The Chicago Cubs badly want Skubal. They also are skeptical that they will be willing to compete at the sort of dollars Skubal is expected to get -- well in excess of $300 million, potentially in the $400 million-plus range,” Passan wrote.

“With Michael King and Nick Pivetta being free agents, the San Diego Padres need a rotation anchor, and arguably the best pitcher in baseball would more than suffice.”

Mark Feinsand from MLB.com previously said that the Philadelphia Phillies are interested as well and should not be dismissed from the pursuit.

Nevertheless, the aggressive-spending and pitching-needy Mets currently appear to be the leading alternative to the Dodgers in the competition for Skubal’s signature.

Skubal finished the season with a 12-7 record, 2.72 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 158.2 innings over 26 starts with the Tigers and Dodgers.

After joining Los Angeles, he went 5-2 with a 2.61 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 62 innings over 10 regular season starts.

Skubal also went 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in 11 innings over two postseason starts.

The competition surrounding Skubal reflects more than the weakness of the available class. Teams rarely receive an opportunity to sign an accomplished ace who is still young enough to lead a rotation for several seasons.

Skubal would immediately become the most important pitcher on nearly any team pursuing him. He has already handled the expectations connected to major awards, a trade to Los Angeles and postseason starts.

Those experiences should make the pressure surrounding a record contract easier to manage.

His presence would also improve the pitchers around him. A dependable rotation leader reduces the need for every starter to carry the same workload and gives a manager a trusted option for the most important games.

The Dodgers offer familiarity and a roster constructed to contend immediately. The Mets have the financial capacity to challenge any offer; however, their disadvantage is that they’re not World Series contenders.

Chicago, San Diego and Philadelphia each provide a clear need, but matching the enormous commitment could determine whether their interest becomes a serious pursuit.

Skubal does not need to accept anything less than the situation he prefers.

His age, accomplishments and recent performance have placed him in control of the market, with the ability to prioritize contract value, organizational direction and his opportunity to compete for another World Series.