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Comparing Tigers Ace Tarik Skubal to his Cy Young Competition for 2025

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. skubal-to-his-cy-young-competition-for-2025.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 8:24 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Tigers’ Tarik Skubal Among 2025 Cy Young Contenders: A Deep Dive

The 2025 Major League Baseball season is shaping up to be a pitching showcase, with several pitchers vying for the coveted Cy Young Award. Among the front‑rows is Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Sk bul, who has emerged as a force in the American League and is being compared to the league’s most elite arms. This article pulls together the key points from the recent SI piece and its linked sources, outlining why Sk bul’s numbers and narrative place him squarely in the conversation.

1. Sk bul’s 2024 Foundation

In the 2024 campaign, Sk bul finished with a 16‑5 record, a 2.79 ERA, and 206 strikeouts over 207.1 innings. Those metrics positioned him third in the American League in ERA and fourth in strikeouts per nine innings. His walk rate dropped to a league‑low 1.3 per nine, demonstrating his newfound command. This statistical foundation has set the stage for a high‑profile 2025 season, and the Tigers have expressed confidence that Sk bul will continue to improve against the league’s best hitters.

2. The 2025 Cy Young Landscape

The SI article identifies the top contenders across both leagues:

• Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees) – A seasoned veteran, Cole has a strong ERA and a high strikeout count, but his age and recent injury concerns temper expectations.
• Jacob deGrom (New York Mets) – DeGrom’s dominance in 2023, especially his 3.07 ERA, makes him a perennial favorite, though the Mets’ offensive struggles might impact his run support.
• Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels) – Ohtani’s dual role as pitcher and hitter gives him a unique edge, but his 2025 pitching numbers remain uncertain.
• Jose Berrios (New York Yankees) – Berrios’ rising trajectory and youth advantage could carry him into contention.
• Sk bul (Detroit Tigers) – The focus of the article, Sk bul’s consistent improvement, solid health, and the Tigers’ competitive roster elevate him to the top tier.

3. Sk bul’s Pitch Arsenal and Performance

Fastball: Sk bul’s main weapon is a 94‑mph four‑seam fastball that can reach 97. His velocity is bolstered by a high strikeout rate, showcasing his ability to dominate at the plate.

Slider: A late‑breaking slider in the low 80s provides the sharp break needed to keep hitters off‑balance. The SI analysis notes that Sk bul’s slider has a higher whiff rate than the league average.

Changeup: Although not as potent, Sk bul’s changeup in the mid‑70s adds an element of deception, especially when paired with the fastball.

Pitch Distribution: In 2024, Sk bul’s fastball accounted for 57% of his pitches, the slider 28%, and the changeup 15%. In 2025, he is expected to maintain a similar distribution but with an increased slider percentage to leverage his improved command.

4. Health and Workload Management

A critical component of the Cy Young discussion is durability. Sk bul suffered a mild elbow strain in 2023, but he completed the full 2024 season with no injuries. According to the Tigers’ medical staff, Sk bul’s workload was carefully managed, ensuring he didn’t reach the 200‑inning threshold until the second half of the season. This balanced approach has kept his arm healthy and his performance consistent—a key factor for the award panel.

5. Team Context and Run Support

The Tigers’ 2024 offense ranked 12th in the AL, but with a roster that has steadily improved, run support is expected to rise in 2025. The SI article highlights that a pitcher’s award chances are heavily influenced by team performance. Sk bul’s 2024 run support was an average of 3.7 runs per game. The Tigers’ projected offensive improvement—driven by the acquisition of power hitters and a stronger middle lineup—could provide the boost needed for Sk bul’s Cy Young case.

6. Comparative Metrics

To put Sk bul’s numbers in perspective, the article draws side‑by‑side comparisons with other contenders:

• ERA: Sk bul’s projected 2025 ERA (2.85) sits near the bottom of the league, comparable to Cole’s and deGrom’s.
• K/9: Sk bul’s strikeouts per nine innings (9.8) would rank among the highest, just behind deGrom (10.5).
• WHIP: Sk bul’s projected WHIP (1.04) would be among the league’s best, suggesting efficient run prevention.
• Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP): Sk bul’s 2024 FIP of 2.77 indicates that his results are less dependent on defense, reinforcing his candidacy.

7. Narrative and Media Momentum

Beyond raw numbers, narrative plays a pivotal role in award voting. Sk bul’s rise from a mid‑draft pick to an ace with a powerful pitching arsenal has captured the media’s imagination. The SI article references recent op‑eds praising his work ethic, mentorship of younger Tigers pitchers, and his role as a franchise cornerstone. The narrative of a rising star taking over the Tigers’ pitching rotation resonates well with Cy Young voters, who often lean toward compelling storylines.

8. Potential Obstacles

Despite the favorable outlook, Sk bul faces competition from older, established pitchers and from MLB’s new emphasis on “pitch counts.” The Tigers’ coaching staff will need to manage his innings to avoid fatigue. Additionally, the Tigers’ overall performance will be a factor; if the team underperforms, even the most outstanding individual stats can be undervalued.

9. Conclusion

The SI article paints a clear picture: Tarik Sk bul’s 2025 campaign is poised to be one of the most compelling narratives of the Cy Young Award race. His impressive 2024 statistics, strong health record, improving team support, and a growing storyline all contribute to his candidacy. While he will compete against seasoned veterans and emerging talents, Sk bul’s combination of skill, durability, and media buzz places him squarely among the top contenders. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Detroit to see if Sk bul can translate this promising potential into the award-winning performance the Cy Young title demands.