Scherzer vs. Skubal: Who Had a More Memorable Tenure with the Tigers?
If someone had to assemble an all-2000s Detroit Tigers pitching staff, we all know who the ace would be. Justin Verlander will not only enter the Hall of Fame (potentially in a Tigers cap) but is surely to have his #35 jersey retired in the outfield of Comerica Park (well, now Fifth Third Park) one …
Max Scherzer and Tarik Skubal, both former Detroit Tigers pitchers, have had memorable tenures with the team. However, when comparing their impacts, it becomes clear that Tarik Skubal holds the edge. Scherzer, acquired in a trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks, played for Detroit for five years (2010-2014) and accumulated 22.4 fWAR.
He won the Cy Young Award in 2013 and helped secure a World Series berth in 2012 with a 2.08 ERA in the postseason. Skubal, on the other hand, played for the Tigers for seven years (2018-2024) and amassed 22.4 fWAR as well. He achieved the rare pitching Triple Crown, led the AL with 18 wins, a 2.39 ERA, and 228 strikeouts, and won two Cy Young Awards.
Skubal also finished in the top seven AL MVP voting in 2024 and 2025. While Scherzer made a memorable appearance in relief during the 2013 ALDS, Skubal's postseason excellence, with a 1.74 ERA in 20 2/3 postseason innings, sets him apart. Ultimately, Skubal's regular-season and postseason accomplishments, coupled with his status as a homegrown ace, make him the more memorable and deserving pitcher in Detroit's history.
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