Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal recently expressed admiration for New York Yankees star Aaron Judge, highlighting his outstanding performance during the 2025 MLB season. Skubal singled out Judge as one of the toughest hitters he has faced, emphasizing Judge’s dominance at the plate.

As of mid-July, Aaron Judge led Major League Baseball with a .345 batting average and was tied for the most home runs with 36. Additionally, he accumulated 82 RBIs and posted an impressive OPS of 1.176, including a streak of 14 consecutive games with hits that reflects his offensive consistency.

When asked to name the toughest opponent, Skubal responded decisively.

”I would probably say Aaron Judge,” Skubal said on Friday, via Talkin’ Yanks. “If I do execute pitches to him, he tends to hit them up pretty far away, so he’s the best hitter in the game right now too, so it adds up.” —Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers pitcher

Aaron Judge’s Milestone Achievements and Impact on the Yankees

Judge solidified his status as a Yankees legend by hitting his 351st career home run in a 4-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves, tying Alex Rodriguez for seventh place on the franchise’s all-time home run list. Shortly after, Judge surpassed Rodriguez by hitting his 352nd home run.

“Just an incredible honor, especially, you know, growing up watching A-Rod for so many years and watching what he did in pinstripes,” Judge said after the game, via ESPN. “He’s a legend, one of the best players ever.” —Aaron Judge, New York Yankees outfielder

As the face of the Yankees, Judge continues to motivate both fans and teammates through his high-level performances, showcasing one of the most dominant offensive runs seen in recent years.

Tarik Skubal’s Rising Performance and Respect for Elite Hitters

Meanwhile, Tarik Skubal is also experiencing a strong season with the Tigers. The left-handed pitcher maintains an ERA below 2.50, a WHIP under 1.00, and has recorded over 150 strikeouts, displaying his reliability in the American League. Skubal’s recognition of Aaron Judge underlines the level of competition he faces while competing at an elite level.

Skubal’s respectful acknowledgment of Judge’s abilities reflects the ongoing battles between pitchers and hitters that shape the excitement of the MLB season.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What nationality is Tarik Skubal from?

A. Tarik Daniel Skubal, born on November 20, 1996, is a professional baseball pitcher from the United States. He plays for the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball (MLB).