Skubal Takes Home AL Triple Crown
Tarik Skubal officially has the AL Triple Crown as he has finished the year leading the American League in wins, strikeouts, and ERA. He was very close to being the Triple Crown winner for the entire league but just barely missed Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. He finished the season with a 2.39 ERA, 18 wins and 228 strikeouts. Many predicted Skubal to have a terrific season but the AL Triple Crown was not expected. Skubal solidified himself this season as one of the top premier pitchers in the league and has opened himself up to a huge contract in the future.
Skubal looked incredible throughout the 2024 regular season. He is a key reason why the Tigers were able to clinch the third AL Wild Card spot and end their 10-year playoff drought after being below .500 at the All-Star Break. Skubal looked fantastic during the 2023 season, but an elbow injury limited his innings on the mound leaving a bit of a question mark for the 2024 season. However, he proved the doubters wrong and had a career year. He had 18 wins and only four losses and also had a 0.922 WHIP to go along with his triple crown.
Skubal does not reach free agency status until after the 2026 season but after this season the Tigers may be inclined to sign him to a lengthy extension. The flame-throwing lefty is by far the leading candidate for the AL Cy Young and second place is not even close. The Tigers will start the Wild Card Series on Tuesday and you can count on Skubal pitching in one of those games. With an almost guaranteed win every time he takes the mound, Skubal hopes to lead the Tigers deep into the playoffs and continue their legacy run.
