Tigers' Skubal unanimously wins 1st Cy Young
Tarik Skubal reigns supreme after an exceptional season.
The Detroit Tigers left-hander unanimously won his first career American League Cy Young Award over Kansas City Royals right-hander Seth Lugo and Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase.
"It's pretty special. All the hard work, all the stuff that goes on behind the scenes, moments like this make it extremely worth it," Skubal said. "To have the support system that I have and the people that are right behind me, it means a lot to have those guys in my corner."
Skubal put together a breakout 2024 campaign following a strong finish to 2023. The southpaw earned the AL pitching Triple Crown by leading in wins (18), ERA (2.39), and strikeouts (228).
“I love to play the game. I love to win. That’s all the motivation I need.”
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) November 21, 2024
Cy Young dreams become reality for @TarikSkubal. pic.twitter.com/iKkzXFx89H
His 170 ERA+, 2.50 FIP, and 5.9 fWAR were also tops in the AL.
It was a particularly special 28th birthday for Skubal as he became the fifth Tigers pitcher to win a Cy Young and the first since Max Scherzer in 2013. He's also the first left-handed starting pitcher in franchise history to take home the award.
gotta love the “Happy Birthday” in the background of a Cy Young celebration pic.twitter.com/5QLvgR61YT
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) November 20, 2024
Skubal joins Roy Campanella (1953 MVP) as the only two players in MLB history to win an individual BBWAA award on their birthday, according to MLB.com's Sarah Langs.