Career Timeline of Tarik Skubal: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tarik Skubal made an impact.

Tarik Skubal is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Detroit Tigers in MLB. Drafted in 2018, he debuted in the major leagues in 2020. Skubal's career reached a pinnacle in 2024 when he was named an All-Star and became the first American League pitcher since 2011 to achieve the Cy Young Award and Triple Crown in a full season. He earned another All-Star selection in 2025.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2017: Arizona Diamondbacks draft, did not sign

In 2017, despite recovering from Tommy John surgery, Skubal was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 29th round but chose not to sign, opting to return to Seattle.

2018: First professional season

In 2018, after being drafted, Skubal spent his first professional season with the Gulf Coast Tigers, Connecticut Tigers, and West Michigan Whitecaps, achieving a combined 3–0 record and 0.40 ERA.

2018: Final season at Seattle University

In 2018, during his final season at Seattle University, Skubal led the team with 106 strikeouts and 56 walks, pitching 80 innings.

2018: Drafted by the Detroit Tigers

In 2018, the Detroit Tigers selected Tarik Skubal in the ninth round of the MLB draft, marking a significant step in his professional baseball career.

2019: Call-up to Erie SeaWolves

In 2019, Skubal earned a call-up to the Erie SeaWolves on July 5, showcasing his progress in the Tigers' organization, and his prospect ranking improved.

2020: MLB Debut and First Win

In 2020, Tarik Skubal made his MLB debut and earned his first major league win on August 29 against the Minnesota Twins. He appeared in 8 games for the Detroit Tigers, showcasing his skills in the shortened season.

2020: MLB Debut

In 2020, Tarik Skubal made his Major League Baseball debut with the Detroit Tigers, marking the start of his MLB career.

March 24, 2021: Made Opening Day roster

On March 24, 2021, Tarik Skubal made the Opening Day roster out of spring training and joined the Tigers' starting rotation under new manager A. J. Hinch.

2023: Expected return to the mound

In 2023, Skubal was expected to return to the mound after recovering from flexor tendon surgery, marking his comeback to professional baseball.

2023: Changeup as best off-speed pitch

Since 2023, Skubal's best and most used off-speed pitch is his changeup, averaging 86.3 mph with an elite seam-shifted wake.

2024: Opening Day start and franchise record

In 2024, Skubal started for the Tigers on Opening Day and, by April 28, became the first pitcher in Tigers history to strike out 40+ batters through his first six starts with fewer than nine walks.

2024: All-Star Selection and Game Appearance

In 2024, Skubal was selected to represent the Tigers in the All-Star Game, held on July 16, and pitched a 1-2-3 second inning in the game.

2024: First Postseason Win

In 2024, Tarik Skubal earned the first postseason win of his career after throwing six scoreless innings with six strikeouts against the Houston Astros in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series.

2024: All-Star and Cy Young Award

In 2024, Tarik Skubal was named an All-Star and won the Cy Young Award and Triple Crown, recognizing his outstanding performance in the season.

January 9, 2025: Contract Agreement with Tigers

On January 9, 2025, the Tigers and Skubal agreed to a one-year, $10.15 million contract, avoiding arbitration.

2025: Second All-Star Selection

In 2025, Skubal was named to the 2025 All-Star Game roster for his second consecutive AL All-Star selection, and was named the starting pitcher for the American League by manager Aaron Boone.