Tarik Skubal: A Strong Candidate for AL Cy Young
Tarik Skubal is currently one of the top contenders for the AL Cy Young award. Interestingly, Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper had actually predicted this for Skubal three years ago. According to Skubal’s former teammate Rhys Hoskins, Harper had a strong belief in Skubal’s potential even back then.
Hoskins shared, via MLBPA, an anecdote from a 2021 Spring Training session where Harper faced off against Skubal on the mound. After striking out Harper with three fastballs, Skubal asked him for his thoughts. Without hesitation, Harper confidently stated, “That guy’s going to be a Cy Young one day.” It seems Harper’s prediction is well on its way to becoming a reality.
Skubal’s exceptional performance this season has garnered praise from other players in the league as well. Notable names like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler O’Neill, and Colton Cowser have commended Skubal for his outstanding skills on the mound. Recently named the MLBPA Player’s Choice AL Outstanding Pitcher, Skubal has truly shone in the 2024 season, proving Harper’s foresight to be spot on.
Looking ahead to the Cy Young award announcement, Skubal’s chances are looking incredibly strong. The Detroit Tigers ace achieved the pitching Triple Crown in the American League by leading in ERA, strikeouts, and win-loss record. This remarkable feat has positioned him as the clear favorite, with odds heavily favoring his victory at -5,000.
While Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians has also had an impressive season as a relief pitcher, he is expected to finish as the runner-up with odds of +2,500. Skubal’s dominance as a starting pitcher has set him apart from the competition, making him the standout candidate for the prestigious award.
Other players in the Cy Young conversation include Seth Lugo and Cole Ragans of the Kansas City Royals, as well as Corbin Burnes of the Baltimore Orioles. However, they are considered longshots in comparison to Skubal’s outstanding performance throughout the season.
As the baseball world eagerly awaits the official announcement, all signs point to Tarik Skubal fulfilling Bryce Harper’s bold prediction from years ago. With an exceptional season under his belt and overwhelming odds in his favor, Skubal is on the path to securing the AL Cy Young award and solidifying his status as one of the top pitchers in the league.
