Tarik Skubal

Skenes said that he had analysts compare his 2024 numbers to Tarik Skubal's and Chris Sale's numbers, the two pitchers who won Cy Young awards in 2024. "I think there were a lot of times last year where I just put myself in bad positions a little bit," Skenes said. "That's how you win those awards, winning the first two out of three pitches, strike percentage, first-pitch strike percentage, stuff like that. Those are the process-oriented goals I'm focusing on this year a little bit more." Last year, Sale was fourth in first-pitch strike percentage at 69.2 percent, Skubal was fifth at 68.5 percent and Skenes was at just 62.1 percent. In overall strike percentage, Skubal ranked fifth at 69.3 percent, Sale was 36th at 67.2 percent, and Skenes 71st at 66.1 percent. It's hard to imagine Skenes being better in 2025 than he was in his rookie season, but attacking hitters in the zone more would lead to lower pitch counts and the ability for him to pitch deeper into games.

The free agent right-hander is still searching for a new home with only 20 days remaining until pitchers and catchers report for spring training. Of the Tigers, he mentioned, "We had conversations. I loved it there. I thought the combo of me and Skub (Tarik Skubal) was incredible.. We've been talking to them and talking to other teams. It would be fun to go back there." The Blue Jays, Cubs and Giants have also been linked to Flaherty over the past couple of weeks and the 29-year-old hurler is reportedly considering a short-term contract with a high average annual value, which could bring other teams into the mix as well.

After avoiding arbitration with a one-year deal for 2025, Tarik Skubal said he's keeping negotiations about a long-term deal with the Tigers "pretty private."

Jarren Duran, Michael King, Lars Nootbaar, Brendan Donovan and others were unable to reach an agreement

Jarren Duran, Michael King, Lars Nootbaar, Brendan Donovan and others were unable to reach an agreement