Tarik Skubal’s Rise to Greatness: How Detroit’s Ace Became the Face of the Tigers’ Future and the Relentless Engine Behind a Long-Awaited Revival
When the Detroit Tigers drafted Tarik Skubal in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB Draft, few could have imagined he would one day become the face of the franchise. But as the 2025 season winds down, it’s Skubal — not any high-priced veteran or headline-grabbing slugger — who stands alone at the top of Detroit’s leaderboard in Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
In a year defined by turbulence and transition, Skubal has been the constant. His electric left arm has not only anchored the rotation but redefined what Tigers fans expect from their ace. While Detroit continues to rebuild its foundation, Skubal’s dominance has provided both credibility and hope — a rare combination for a franchise still chasing its first playoff berth in over a decade.
“He’s the heartbeat of this staff,” one Tigers coach said. “Every fifth day, you feel like you have a real shot — and that changes everything.”
Skubal’s numbers are staggering. Posting career highs in strikeouts, innings pitched, and quality starts, he’s been the model of both efficiency and endurance. His WAR total — leading all Tigers players — reflects more than just performance; it’s a measure of impact. Detroit’s record with him on the mound tells the story even louder: they win when he pitches.
But what makes Skubal’s rise even more remarkable is the road he traveled to get here. Tommy John surgery in 2016 nearly derailed his career before it began. He wasn’t a top prospect or a household name — he was a survivor, rebuilding his delivery and confidence from scratch. That journey has become part of his identity, and fans have rallied around it.
“He’s got that Detroit mentality,” said former Tigers ace Justin Verlander in a recent interview. “Grit, grind, no excuses. He reminds me of the way this city fights.”
Inside the Tigers’ clubhouse, younger pitchers like Casey Mize and Reese Olson have started calling Skubal “Professor,” a nod to the way he studies hitters and game situations. His preparation — long hours in the video room, quiet focus before every start — has become the standard for a young staff still finding its voice.
Off the field, Skubal has emerged as one of the quiet leaders in Detroit’s clubhouse culture shift. Teammates say he’s not the loudest presence, but his words carry weight. “He doesn’t talk just to talk,” said catcher Jake Rogers. “When he speaks, everyone listens.”
For Detroit, Skubal’s breakout season represents something deeper than just individual achievement. It signals that the rebuild might finally be bearing fruit. His performance gives the Tigers legitimacy, his leadership gives them direction, and his resilience gives them hope.
As the season ends, one thing feels clear: Tarik Skubal isn’t just leading the Tigers in WAR — he’s leading them out of the wilderness.
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