The 2025 season for the Detroit Tigers has been one of transformation, hope and resurgence, and at the heart of that resurgence has been Tarik Skubal. Coming off a dominant 2024 where he claimed the pitching Triple Crown and the AL Cy Young Award, Skubal entered this season under intense scrutiny, expectation, and hope. With the Tigers rebuilding around youth and pitching, Skubal emerged not only as their workhorse, but arguably as one of the most consistent and intimidating starters in the American League.
From Opening Day on, it was clear that Skubal was not merely riding the momentum of his 2024 success. He came in with a refined arsenal, his signature changeup and savvy slider, but the real difference was greater command, sharper sequencing, and a mentality that seemed elevated. Making him the obvious choice for Tiger of the Year.
“The best players in this game are consistent. That’s how I want to be: is be consistent,” Skubal said.
Why He Was Named Tigers’ Best
It’s one thing to turn in eye-catching individual numbers; it’s another to consistently impact your team’s fortunes in ways that go beyond the stat sheet. Skubal did both.
Performance: In 2025, Skubal posted a 2.21 ERA during the regular season and racked up well over 200 strikeouts (241). Walks were suppressed (33). Hits were limited (141). The Tigers leaned on him when wins were needed, innings were valuable, and the rotation needed someone who could deliver.
“That’s the kind of pitcher he is. … He’s awesome. I’m sure I’ll always remember this season and what he accomplished,” catcher Dillon Dingler said. “I’ll remember last year, but it was first-hand experience for me this year, catching him. It was awesome.”
Leadership & Durability: Beyond the raw numbers, Skubal set the tone. Young pitchers looked up to him. The bullpen and defense behind him benefitted from his confidence–the idea that if he gave them six or seven strong innings, the game was theirs to win. For a franchise looking to turn the corner, having that kind of anchor matters.
“Sitting in my chair, one of the easiest things to do and one of the most exciting things to do is hand the ball to the best pitcher in baseball,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “He obviously is somebody deeply trusted in our clubhouse to bring intensity, to bring high-end pitching and bring results.
“We win together, we lose together, but he leads us.”
Recognition: Given his production, it’s unsurprising that the Detroit chapter of the BBWAA and the Tigers organization selected Skubal as their Tiger of the Year for the second year in a row. His value to the team extended well beyond wins and strikeouts; it symbolized the club’s turning tide. This aligns with the historical lists of past winners and league leaders.
What Made the 2025 Season Special
While 2024 was the season of breakthroughs, 2025 was the season of affirmation. Here are several ways Skubal’s campaign stood apart:
1. Elevated performance under pressure: Skubal logged complete games, shutouts, and outings where he dominated the opposition from the first inning. One noted instance: he broke his career‐high strikeout record (14) in Game 1 of the Wild Card series against the Cleveland Guardians.
2. Stability for a young roster: The Tigers are in a phase of replenishing their pitching and position-player core. Skubal provided a foundation on which younger pitchers could learn, and on which the defense could rely. That kind of steady arm helps foster growth for the club.
3. Franchise context: Detroit hasn’t had a rotation ace like this consistently in years. When Skubal dominates, the narrative shifts: suddenly the Tigers are looking like contenders rather than rebuilding also-rans. That momentum has real implications for attendance, morale, and the front office’s decision-making.
Challenges & the Road Ahead
No season is perfect, and even elite pitchers like Skubal face hurdles. Fatigue, the constant threat of injury, and the challenge of maintaining peak performance over six months and then into the postseason all loom. For Detroit, managing his workload is crucial.
Moreover, while Skubal can win games single-handedly more often than most, baseball is a team sport. The Tigers still need a supporting cast: quality starts from the rotation, consistency in the bullpen, and an offense that can score enough runs in games he doesn’t dominate. Skubal’s excellence raises expectations across the board.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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