Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal has set his sights on a major milestone for the 2025 season, aiming to finally reach 200 innings pitched after coming close in 2024. Following a dominant 2024 campaign that earned him the American League Cy Young Award and pitching triple crown, Skubal’s 2025 pitching goal reflects his determination to build on his success while maintaining his health and consistency.
Skubal’s 2024 Season Cemented His Elite Status
Tarik Skubal established himself as one of baseball’s premier pitchers in 2024, leading the American League in wins (18), ERA (2.39), and strikeouts (228), while topping all of Major League Baseball in victories and strikeouts. His outstanding performance secured him the AL Cy Young Award and demonstrated that his talent was undeniable once he overcame early career health struggles. With a .818 winning percentage, a 174 ERA+, and a 6.4 bWAR, Skubal’s dominance was clear across multiple key statistics.
Health and durability had previously been the biggest hurdles for the lefty, but his ability to stay on the mound throughout 2024 led directly to his remarkable achievements. The improvements in his command and pitch arsenal allowed him to consistently overpower hitters and control games.
Tracking Skubal’s 2025 Performance and Ambitions
Through 23 starts in the 2025 season, Skubal maintained a 2.35 ERA over 145.1 innings, demonstrating remarkable endurance and effectiveness. His 187 strikeouts have resulted in an American League-leading 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings, showcasing his exceptional ability to miss bats. Additionally, his control has been arguably the best in baseball, permitting just 1.3 walks per nine innings—the top mark across MLB.
This exceptional control has resulted in a career-best walk-to-strikeout ratio of 8.9 and a WHIP of 0.860, which leads the league. Limiting walks has kept his pitch count manageable and preserved his stamina, helping him edge closer to his 200-inning target.
Breaking the 200-Inning Barrier: Skubal’s Key Target for 2025
Skubal openly expressed his desire to throw 200 innings this year, marking a personal milestone he has yet to achieve in his career. Speaking with former MLB catcher A.J. Pierzynski during a recent episode of Foul Territory, he emphasized the importance he places on innings pitched, a metric he believes deserves more respect in modern baseball.
“I wish there was more emphasis on innings pitched in today’s game,” —Tarik Skubal
After throwing 192 innings in 2024, Skubal is on pace to surpass that total if he stays healthy and maintains his current level of performance. Reaching 200 innings not only reflects durability but also could position him as a strong candidate to repeat as Cy Young Award winner.
Already recognized for his dominant showings, Skubal was the starting pitcher for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game and continues to chase further accomplishments that would enhance an already impressive resume.
Implications of Skubal’s Goal for His Career and the Tigers
If Skubal succeeds in throwing 200 innings in 2025, it would cement his standing as one of baseball’s durable and elite pitchers, dispelling any doubts about his ability to consistently perform at a high level. His commitment to limiting walks and effective strikeouts reflects the maturity in his pitching approach, which bodes well for his longevity and value to the Detroit Tigers.
Achieving this innings milestone could also mark the beginning of a sustained period of excellence, potentially positioning him as a perennial Cy Young contender and a cornerstone of the Tigers’ rotation for years to come. The 2025 season could prove pivotal in defining Tarik Skubal’s career trajectory as he works toward long-term dominance in Major League Baseball.