Two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal has informed friends that he would like to remain with the Detroit Tigers, USA Today reported.
Skubal, who has spent his entire seven-year career with the Tigers, has been the subject of trade talks throughout the season. The left-hander is in the final year of his contract, with many believing that he could command the biggest pitching free-agent deal in history.
Per USA Today, Skubal feels the Tigers have a realistic shot at winning the World Series this year. The outlet quoted Skubal as saying “I’ve never lost faith.”
Detroit has turned around its fortunes, winning nine of its last 11 to move within 5 1/2 games of the first-place Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central.
Skubal, 29, is 5-4 with a 3.06 ERA in 12 appearances (all starts) this season. He has struck out 84 batters and walked only 10 in 70 2/3 innings heading into today’s start against the Philadelphia Phillies.
He has a 59-41 record and a 3.07 ERA in 149 career games (146 starts) for the Tigers since 2020. He has struck out 973 batters compared to 182 walks in 837 1/3 innings.
