Tarik Skubal Emerging as Tigers’ Next Great, Drawing Comparisons to Verlander
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is building a strong case to be considered one of the franchise’s all-time greats potentially even challenging the legendary status of Justin Verlander. On the latest episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman break down Skubal’s dominant shutout performance Sunday against Cleveland and what it could mean for his place in Tigers history.
A Masterpiece on the Mound
Skubal’s complete-game shutout featuring 13 strikeouts on just 94 pitches and a blazing 102.6 mph fastball to finish was described as one of the most impressive outings the hosts had ever seen. The overpowering performance, coupled with his efficiency and flair, captivated the home crowd, who responded with a roaring ovation.
Charisma, Grit, and a Deep Detroit Connection
Unlike Verlander, who was a highly touted No. 2 overall pick, Skubal entered the league as a ninth-round selection in 2018, bringing a blue-collar, underdog narrative that resonates with Detroit fans. Mintz noted that Skubal fully embraces being part of Detroit’s identity, even shedding tears after the standing ovation a sign of his emotional bond with the city and its people.
“There’s just something about the way that Skubal goes about pitching that connects there,” Mintz said, adding that Skubal’s swagger and connection with fans stands out in ways Verlander didn’t always show.
The Numbers Back It Up
Skubal’s elite numbers including a staggering 82-to-3 strikeout-to-walk ratio point to sustained excellence. While Verlander’s legacy includes MVPs, Cy Young Awards, and a World Series title, Skubal’s current dominance gives him the potential to forge a similar path if he stays healthy and continues to lead a resurgent Tigers team.
Though he hasn’t reached Verlander’s heights just yet, Skubal is clearly on a trajectory that has Detroit dreaming of a new era one where his name might one day be etched alongside the franchise’s greatest.
