CONGRATULATIONS: Tarik Skubal Named Finalist for the 2025 AL Cy Young Award — Detroit’s Ace Chasing the Crown of Greatness
The Tigers’ ace has arrived.
On Tuesday evening, Major League Baseball announced that Detroit left-hander Tarik Skubal is one of three finalists for the 2025 American League Cy Young Award, joining Houston’s Hunter Brown and Boston’s Garrett Crochet.
For Skubal, this moment is more than a recognition of talent — it’s the culmination of years of struggle, growth, and quiet perseverance.
“I’ve always dreamed of this,” Skubal said after hearing the news. “But it’s not just about me. It’s about Detroit — this city, my teammates, and the fans who believed even when things weren’t easy.”
It’s been a storybook season for the 29-year-old. After years of injuries and rebuilding seasons, Skubal emerged as the emotional and competitive heartbeat of a resurgent Tigers rotation. He posted one of the best ERAs in the league, ranked near the top in strikeouts, and delivered countless clutch performances that kept Detroit in contention deep into September.
“Every fifth day, you just knew you were going to get his best,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “He’s the kind of guy who sets the tone for everyone — not just with his stuff, but with how he competes.”
The Cy Young finalist recognition feels like the natural next step in a journey that’s been anything but smooth. Skubal underwent Tommy John surgery earlier in his career, endured trade rumors, and even faced questions about whether Detroit could build a winner around him.
Now, he’s not just part of the Tigers’ future — he is the future.
Fans in Detroit reacted to the news with overwhelming emotion. “This is more than an award,” one fan wrote. “It’s proof that we’re finally back. Tarik’s bringing pride back to the ‘D.’”
For many in the clubhouse, Skubal’s rise mirrors the franchise’s own transformation — from years of mediocrity to a team that once again commands respect across the league.
“He’s the guy you hand the ball to when everything’s on the line,” said catcher Jake Rogers. “But he’s also the guy who jokes with you in the dugout and keeps things light. That balance makes him special.”
As for the competition, both Hunter Brown and Garrett Crochet put together brilliant seasons of their own. Brown anchored Houston’s powerhouse rotation with dominant strikeout totals, while Crochet’s breakout year in Boston turned heads across the league.
But in Detroit, the narrative is clear: this moment belongs to Skubal.
Whether he wins the Cy Young or not, his 2025 campaign has already rewritten the story of the Tigers — and given fans something they haven’t felt in a long time: belief.
As Skubal put it best, “Awards are nice. But when a city believes again — that’s the real victory.”
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