DETROIT — Kingman native and Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal continues to cement his legacy in the MLB.
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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal high-fives teammates in the dugout after a pitching change during the seventh inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The left-hander won his second consecutive Cy Young Award after posting a 13-6 record with a league-leading 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts and a 0.89 WHIP.
Skubal made his mark in 2024 by winning the award unanimously and continued to post elite numbers this year, improving instead of faltering under high expectations. His changeup was his secret weapon, holding opponents to a .154 batting average, and his fastball ranked among the best in the American League. Sustaining success is difficult, but the Kingman southpaw has managed to do so.
Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal throws against Mariners during the first inning of ALDS Game 5 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Valley has produced some of the best talent in sports and Skubal is an example of that. While many may overlook his roots as he continues to build his legacy, those in Arizona continue to celebrate his success, no matter what colors he represents.
Even coming from a lesser-known city and a small market, it hasn’t stopped Skubal from reaching the highest levels of Major League Baseball.
Sep 18, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) pitches in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Skubal is also only the fifth American League pitcher to win the award in back-to-back years, the first since Hall of Famer Pedro MartÃnez in 1999 and 2000, and the 12th in MLB history.
Despite the award and his status as the ace of the pitching staff, the Tigers are reportedly open to moving Skubal this offseason. However, the Cy Young winner has said he hopes to remain in Detroit.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from… just take your career day by day and see how good you can be.”@tigers superstar Tarik Skubal shares a piece of advice for every young player after winning his second consecutive @officialBBWAA AL Cy Young Award. pic.twitter.com/zmkYvNHNsy
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 13, 2025
“I’ve given everything I have to this organization,” he said, according to Detroit Free Press’ Evan Petzold. “I want to be a Tiger for a very long time… I love Detroit. Hopefully, I’m here. That’s where I’m at with all of that.”
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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