Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal has positioned himself as a legitimate American League MVP candidate through the first half of the 2025 season. The 28-year-old reigning Cy Young winner boasts a 10-2 record with a 2.02 ERA and 0.81 WHIP.
Skubal\'s dominant performance builds upon his unanimous AL Cy Young Award season in 2024. He achieved one of just 39 Triple Crown seasons in MLB history by leading the league in ERA, strikeouts and wins. His current 10.5 strikeout-to-walk ratio represents a significant improvement over his already elite 2024 numbers.
Historic Pitching Performance
The left-hander threw a complete game shutout against Cleveland on May 25, striking out 13 batters in 94 pitches. His final pitch registered 102.6 mph, marking the fastest strikeout pitch by a starter in any inning during the StatCast era.
Skubal\'s changeup has become his signature weapon following flexor-tendon surgery in August 2022. The pitch works in tandem with his fastball command to create an \"almost laughably unfair\" combination according to scouting reports.
MVP Candidacy Discussion
If Skubal can surpass Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh in AL MVP voting, he would become only the third full-time pitcher this century to win the award. He would join an exclusive group as just the third full-time starting pitcher since 1986 to capture MVP honors.
His manager A.J. Hinch has praised Skubal\'s efficiency and dominance in an era where starters rarely complete games. The combination represents the rarest skill set in modern baseball.
Background and Development
Skubal was drafted by Detroit in the ninth round after a college career at Seattle University. He overcame being born with a clubfoot and received only one Division I scholarship offer despite later success.
\"Tarik never let it get in the way,\" Skubal\'s father, Russ Skubal said. \"He never told a coach he couldn\'t run because his foot hurt. To me, it\'s the most inspirational part of his journey, and the inspiring part is that you can take any weakness and make it a strength.\"
\"In my eyes, I haven\'t accomplished anything in this game,\" Skubal said. \"That\'s what keeps me hungry. I haven\'t won a World Series, and that\'s all that matters.\"
Via Tim Keown/ESPN