It’s been a boring off-season for Tigers fans after the news that Jack Flaherty was signed to a one-year deal, but today, we got some minor news. Per Jon Morosi and Evan Petzold, the Tigers and LHP Tarik Skubal have agreed to a $2.65 million contract for 2024, avoiding arbitration.
The Tigers 27-year-old starter is one of Detroit’s key players for 2024. Many of the Tigers’ success will be built around him and the starting rotation that Tigers President of Baseball Operations Scott Harris has put together. Skubal’s 2023 season was fantastic. He had a 7-3 record, a 2.80 ERA, 158 ERA+, 2.00 FIP, and 0.896 WHIP. In 80.1 innings pitched, he struck out 102 batters, walked only 14, and allowed just four home runs in 2023. Giving up the long ball used to be a major issue for Skubal, as he allowed 35 home runs in the 2021 season alone. Since then, however, Skubal hasn’t allowed double-digit home runs in a season. Now, his most significant issue is staying healthy. He’s struggled with having a fully healthy season. If the Tigers are going to take the next step toward getting to the postseason, they have to have a healthy Tarik Skubal on the mound for most of 2024. Skubal has been the team’s ace since Eduardo Rodriguez left in free agency. By no means is Skubal the only dependable arm in their rotation. Detroit has added Kenta Maeda and Jack Flaherty to a rotation that already includes Skubal, Casey Mize, and Reese Olson, among others.
If the rotation is solid and there is continued growth with the Tigers offense, the Tigers have a genuine legitimate chance to win the division in 2023.
Continued offensive improvement? One of the worst offensive teams in baseball period! Best thing that happened this off season in an offensive mode is that Miggy retired. Harsh—no just the truth. No real 2nd, 3rd, DH, RH hitting power hitter. Well I think the Tigers will make more moves before camp at least I hope so. If certain prospects don’t make it this team will finish last. Harris worries me.