Tarik Skubal’s 2025 season has been nothing short of remarkable. In a campaign defined by resilience, dominance, and historic milestones, the Detroit Tigers’ ace is turning heads across Major League Baseball as he mounts a serious charge for his second Cy Young Award—despite enduring multiple injury setbacks along the way.
From Opening Day, Skubal emerged as the undisputed leader of Detroit’s rotation. The left-hander’s fastball remained electric, consistently touching the upper 90s, while his devastating changeup continued to flummox hitters across the league. But what has separated this season from his previous ones is his command—surgical precision that’s allowed him to minimize walks and maximize strikeouts, putting him at the top of several key statistical categories.
Through late May, Skubal leads the American League in ERA, WHIP, strikeouts per nine innings, and opponents’ batting average. His WAR (Wins Above Replacement) already places him among the most valuable players in baseball. And while advanced analytics paint a glowing picture of his effectiveness, it’s the eye test that confirms his dominance—he’s consistently outdueling elite hitters and delivering clutch performances when his team needs them most.
But Skubal’s journey hasn’t been without adversity. A forearm strain in late April forced him to miss a start, and a recurring back issue in early May prompted questions about his durability. Yet, each time, he returned to the mound without missing a beat. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised Skubal’s work ethic and leadership, noting that “every time he’s faced a setback, he’s responded like a true ace.”
Teammates echo those sentiments. Catcher Jake Rogers called Skubal “a bulldog,” adding that “when he’s on the mound, we know we’ve got a chance to win. He sets the tone for the entire clubhouse.”
The Tigers, who have flirted with .500 for much of the season, remain in the thick of the AL Central race largely because of Skubal’s consistency. His ability to pitch deep into games has saved the bullpen countless innings, while his starts have frequently ended in wins, providing crucial momentum during tough stretches of the schedule.
If he maintains this pace, Skubal is not only a frontrunner for the Cy Young Award—he’s rewriting the Tigers’ record books. He’s on track to challenge franchise marks for strikeouts in a season, ERA, and opponent OPS. For a team with a rich pitching history, including legends like Justin Verlander, Hal Newhouser, and Jack Morris, that’s no small feat.
As the summer heats up, all eyes will be on Skubal—not just in Detroit, but across the league. With each dominant outing, he strengthens his case for baseball’s most prestigious pitching honor, proving that even when faced with physical challenges, greatness finds a way to rise.
