How Tarik Skubal Went From Ninth‑Round Pick to MLB’s Pure Ace
In today’s game of radar guns and analytics, Tarik Skubal didn’t check any of the usual boxes. He wasn’t a known prodigy out of Seattle University; in fact, he was barely a prospect. Despite working his way through Tommy John surgery and the minors, it took a veteran scout watching him pitch in the snow to recognize his potential.
Drafted in the ninth round by Detroit in 2018, Skubal steadily carved his way up, debuting in 2020. His velocity jumped, his slider sharpened, and his mindset hardened. Yet nothing shifted the narrative more than his electric 2024: Skubal captured the American League Triple Crown—leading in wins (18), ERA (2.39), and strikeouts (228)—and earned his first Cy Young Award, becoming the first unanimous AL winner since 2011.
🔥 2025: Dominant—and Relentless
Entering the 2025 season, Skubal has continued to translate raw talent into elite performance. As of July 20, he boasts a 10–3 record with a 2.19 ERA en route to pursuing back‑to‑back Triple Crowns
Opposing hitters are baffled. Jazz Chisholm Jr., reflecting on a recent outing, said:
“He was attacking the zone … kept us off‑balance. … He throws a lot of off‑speed today, which he’s normally a fastball guy.”
Indeed, Skubal’s ability to mix and locate has left even the best teams struggling.
Mindset, Scout, and Snow
Over the past month, Skubal discussed his competitiveness and preparation on MLB Central:
“You have to make adjustments … it doesn’t matter what players feel like. Whatever they want, they push through … you might as well get used to it.”
This adaptability likely stems from that old-school scouting moment in the snow—when raw ability and character spoke louder than analytics.
A Complete Game—and a Franchise Turning Point
On May 26, Skubal delivered a Maddux: a complete-game shutout with 13 strikeouts on fewer than 100 pitches. On July 21, he struck out 11 over 6⅔ innings against the Rangers, with manager A.J. Hinch noting:
“If we’re going anywhere, we’re going with him.”
Hinch and front office leaders continue to praise Skubal for his intense, team-first mentality—a trait that separates aces from good pitchers.
This recent segment dives into what makes Skubal tick and features inside breakdowns of his April–June dominance.
What Sets Skubal Apart
- Under‑the‑radar scouting: A snow‑blown day in 2018 led to his opportunity
- Triple‑Crown & Cy Young pedigree: Dominated MLB in 2024, including unanimous Cy Young honors.
- Adaptable approach: Confident using off‑speed and adjusting to ABS, pitch clocks, etc.
- Jack-of‑all‑trades performance: From Maddux games to double-digit strikeouts, he’s consistently elite
What the Near Future Looks Like
Skubal is firmly in Cy Young contention for 2025—leading ERA and Ks within striking distance. But it’s not just personal accolades on his mind. As he told the Associated Press, “I’m relentless … not satisfied until we win a championship”
With the Tigers at 59–38 and leading the AL Central by 11½ games mid‑July, he and Detroit are on track for their first postseason run since 2014.
Behind the Mythic Rise
Tarik Skubal’s journey from snow‑force prospect to baseball’s most dominant lefty is a testament to traditional scouting, unwavering work ethic, and adaptability in a modern game. Quiet, methodical, and ferocious—with his eyes fixed on October and beyond—Skubal stands as proof that even in the analytics age, nothing beats spotting the real deal under pressure.
