Tarik Skubal, the reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner has been the subject of many headlines this offseason.
From potential trades, to arbitration negotiations and his participation in the World Baseball Classic, all eyes have been on Skubal.
Earlier this week, the two-time All-Star and Triple Crown winner spoke with USA Today, setting his sights on a World Series title in 2026.
“That’s where my focus is, trying to win a World Series for the city of Detroit,” said Skubal.
“There’s a different energy in camp this year about the guys that we brought in and additions that we’ve made.”
Of their offseason additions, the most notable names are also pitchers, Kenley Jansen, the active MLB saves leader and Framber Valdez, a two-time All-Star most recently with the Houston Astros.
With these new pieces into the fold, there’s high expectations for an American League Central division title and maybe even more.
“A World Series is attainable with the additions that we’ve made. And that’s all you can ask for, is to play on a team with World Series aspirations year in and year out.”
Having lost in the 15th inning of a deciding Game 5 in the American League Division Series last fall to the Seattle Mariners, who knows what would have happened if the Tigers were to have advanced.
Either way, heading into the 2026 season, there’s a lot for Tigers fans to be excited about including the new one-two punch of Skubal and Valdez.
