Tarik Skubal (born November 20, 1996) has rapidly established himself as one of the most exciting and dominant young starting pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB). A ninth-round draft pick by the Detroit Tigers in 2018, Skubal’s journey from a promising prospect to an All-Star, Cy Young Award winner, and Triple Crown recipient in the 2024 season is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the significant strides he has made on the mound. As the ace of the Tigers’ staff in 2025, Skubal continues to build on his remarkable success, captivating fans with his electric stuff and commanding presence.
Early Life and College Career
Despite facing adversity early in his college career, including Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for a significant period, Skubal showcased his potential with the Redhawks. Over his time at Seattle U, he demonstrated a knack for striking batters out, setting school records and attracting the attention of professional scouts. His resilience and determination to return strong after injury foreshadowed the tenacity he would later display in the major leagues.
This decision ultimately led him to the Detroit Tigers, who selected him in the ninth round of the 2018 draft.
Professional Career: From Prospect to Ace
Skubal’s professional trajectory in the Tigers’ organization was marked by rapid progress. After being drafted, he quickly impressed in the minor leagues, showcasing a high strikeout rate and a low ERA across various levels. His development was closely monitored, and he consistently ranked among the Tigers’ top prospects.
Early Minor League Success (2018-2019): Skubal’s initial professional seasons saw him dominate in the Gulf Coast League, Connecticut Tigers, and West Michigan Whitecaps. In 2019, he continued his ascent, pitching effectively for the Lakeland Flying Tigers and reaching Double-A Erie, where his strikeout numbers were particularly eye-catching. By the midseason update of MLB.com’s 2019 Prospect Watch, Skubal had risen to the Tigers’ No. 4 prospect.
MLB Debut and Early Seasons (2020-2022): Skubal made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers on August 18, 2020. While his initial exposure to the majors had its ups and downs, he demonstrated flashes of his potential, including a fastball that ranked among the fastest in the league. The 2021 season saw Skubal complete his first full big league campaign, setting a Tigers rookie record for strikeouts with 164. In 2022, he continued to develop, showcasing improved command and run prevention.
Breakout 2023: Returning from injury in July 2023, Skubal had a stellar second half of the season. In 15 starts, he posted a 7-3 record with a 2.80 ERA and 102 strikeouts. His performance in September earned him American League Pitcher of the Month honors, setting the stage for an even more dominant 2024.
Historic 2024: Cy Young and Triple Crown: The 2024 season was a landmark year for Tarik Skubal. He achieved the rare feat of winning the American League Cy Young Award unanimously after securing the Triple Crown – leading the league in wins (18), ERA (2.39), and strikeouts (228). This accomplishment solidified his status as one of the premier pitchers in baseball and marked the first Triple Crown for an American League pitcher in a full season since 2011. His dominance extended into the postseason, further cementing his reputation as a big-game pitcher.
Through his first nine starts, he boasts a 4-2 record with a stellar 2.67 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 54 innings pitched, maintaining a WHIP of 0.93. His consistency and dominance at the top of the rotation have been crucial for the Tigers’ strong start to the season.
Pitching Style and Arsenal
Tarik Skubal possesses an impressive and evolving pitching arsenal that makes him a challenging matchup for hitters. His powerful fastball is the foundation of his game, complemented by a developing mix of secondary pitches.
Fastball: Skubal throws both a four-seam and a sinking two-seam fastball, both averaging around 97 miles per hour and capable of reaching even higher velocities. His four-seamer has touched 102 mph, making it a true weapon. The late life on his fastball, particularly when located up in the zone, makes it difficult for hitters to square up.
Slider: His slider is a key secondary pitch, typically ranging from 87 to 91 mph. He also features a “turbo” slider that can reach up to 96 mph, adding another layer of challenge for hitters. The slider’s tight movement makes it effective at generating swings and misses.
Changeup: Since 2023, Skubal’s changeup has emerged as his best and most frequently used off-speed pitch. Averaging around 86 mph with elite seam-shifted wake, this pitch has become a significant weapon against both left-handed and right-handed hitters. Its low contact rate and high swing-and-miss rate outside the zone highlight its effectiveness.
Curveball: He also occasionally throws a curveball with a knuckle-curve grip, averaging around 78 mph. While used less frequently than his other pitches, it provides another change of pace and movement for hitters to consider.
Skubal’s pitching style is characterized by his aggressive approach and willingness to attack the strike zone. While he possesses elite velocity, he has also focused on improving his command and control, making him a more complete and consistent pitcher. His ability to mix his pitches effectively and locate them in crucial situations has been a key to his success. Notably, his changeup has been lauded as one of the best in baseball, effectively playing off his fastball and keeping hitters off balance.
Injury History
Like many pitchers, Tarik Skubal has faced some injury setbacks throughout his career:
Tommy John Surgery (College): Skubal underwent Tommy John surgery during his time at Seattle University, causing him to miss a significant portion of his college career. However, he successfully recovered and returned to pitch at a high level.
Left Forearm Strain (2022): In August 2022, Skubal was placed on the injured list with a left forearm muscle injury, which prematurely ended his season.
Left Elbow Strain (2023): Skubal began the 2023 season on the 60-day injured list due to a left elbow strain, delaying his season debut until July. He made a strong return, indicating a full recovery.
Despite these past injuries, Skubal has demonstrated resilience and has been able to return to the mound and perform at an elite level. His health and continued success are crucial for the Detroit Tigers’ aspirations.
Future Outlook: The Ace of the Motor City
Tarik Skubal has firmly established himself as the ace of the Detroit Tigers and one of the premier starting pitchers in baseball. His combination of electric stuff, improved command, and competitive fire make him a formidable opponent for any hitter. As the Tigers continue to build a competitive team around their young talent, Skubal’s presence at the top of the rotation provides a crucial foundation for their aspirations.
His continued health and performance will be paramount for the Tigers as they aim to contend for a playoff spot in the highly competitive American League. With his recent accolades and his sustained excellence in 2025, Tarik Skubal has not only become a fan favorite in Detroit but also a pitcher that the entire league watches with anticipation every time he takes the mound. His journey from a ninth-round pick to a Cy Young and Triple Crown winner is an inspiring story, and his future in the game holds immense promise.
FAQs
Who is Tarik Skubal?
Tarik Skubal is an American professional baseball pitcher who plays for the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is recognized as one of the top young starting pitchers in the league.
What is considered Tarik Skubal’s best secondary pitch?
His changeup, which he developed significantly since 2023, is considered his best off-speed pitch, known for its elite seam-shifted wake and effectiveness against both left-handed and right-handed hitters.
Did Tarik Skubal achieve the Triple Crown in 2024?
Yes, he achieved the pitching Triple Crown in the American League in 2024, leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts.
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