Tigers' Tarik Skubal Wins 2024 AL Cy Young After Comeback Season
November 20, 2024Skubal's performance was crucial in helping the Tigers reach the postseason for the first time since 2014, despite the team selling off key players during the season.
Following his Cy Young award win, Skubal was surprised by his wife Jessica with a new black SUV, celebrating his achievements with friends who doused him in champagne.
Skubal emphasized the importance of team success over individual accolades, stating that his focus shifted away from personal achievements as the team pushed for the playoffs.
Hinch noted Skubal's importance to the team, especially after the trade of Jack Flaherty left them with limited starting pitchers.
Skubal's success in 2024 is celebrated as a result of hard work and perseverance, marking a significant achievement for both him and the Detroit Tigers.
Drafted by the Tigers in the ninth round in 2018, Skubal was seen as a potential draft steal due to his pitching skills and has since developed into a key player.
Utilizing a high-velocity four-seam fastball and an improved changeup, Skubal dominated hitters, averaging 96.8 mph on his fastball and achieving a 46.1% whiff rate on his changeup.
In a light-hearted moment, Skubal humorously noted his offseason mustache, which he shaved for a recent awards show but enjoyed having as a fun addition to his appearance.
Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers was awarded the American League Cy Young Award for the 2024 season on November 20, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Despite a challenging 2023 season marred by injuries, including a stress reaction in his scapula, Skubal rebounded to showcase his talent in 2024.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised Skubal's growth as a pitcher, highlighting his improved command, pitch selection, and overall dominance on the mound.
In the postseason, Skubal excelled with two wins in three starts and pitched 17 consecutive scoreless innings before a tough loss in Game 5 against the Cleveland Guardians.
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