Tarik Skubal joins Justin Verlander, meets Max Scherzer in spring camp

Skubal, 29, is eager to learn from the veteran aces as he aims to continue his own Cy Young-caliber career.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:08am

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, is excited to share a clubhouse and rotation with future Hall of Famers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer this spring. Skubal, who grew up watching Verlander, is eager to learn from the veteran aces and study their preparation and pitching processes as he aims to continue his own Cy Young-caliber career.

Why it matters

Skubal's opportunity to learn from Verlander and Scherzer, two of the greatest pitchers of their generation, could help accelerate his development and cement his status as one of the game's elite arms. The Tigers are hoping Skubal can continue to build on his Cy Young-winning seasons and lead their rotation for years to come.

The details

Verlander, a three-time Cy Young winner, signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Tigers in early February, just 10 days before his 43rd birthday. Skubal, 29, is eager to pick Verlander's brain on his pitching process and preparation. Skubal also crossed paths with Scherzer, another three-time Cy Young winner, during spring training when the 41-year-old signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Skubal was impressed by Scherzer's intensity and focus, even at his advanced age.

  • Verlander signed with the Tigers in early February, just 10 days before his 43rd birthday.
  • Skubal met Scherzer in mid-March during a spring training game between the Tigers and Blue Jays.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A 29-year-old pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who is a two-time Cy Young award winner.

Justin Verlander

A 43-year-old pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who is a three-time Cy Young award winner and future Hall of Famer.

Max Scherzer

A 41-year-old pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays who is a three-time Cy Young award winner and future Hall of Famer.

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What they’re saying

“I want to do all the things that he's done and accomplish all the things that he's accomplished in his career.”

— Tarik Skubal (freep.com)

“This is incredible that he's still doing this.”

— Chris Fetter, Pitching Coach (freep.com)

“I thought he looked better than he did two years ago. That's incredible, considering he's 41. I said, '43,' and he said, '41.' I go, '[Expletive], my bad.' We just talked about baseball and different stuff – how he's moving, how he's feeling. Obviously, he looked great.”

— Tarik Skubal (freep.com)

What’s next

Skubal is scheduled to make his first start of the 2026 season on March 26, where he will face off against Scherzer and the Toronto Blue Jays.

The takeaway

Skubal's opportunity to learn from two all-time great pitchers in Verlander and Scherzer could help him continue his own ascent to the upper echelon of MLB pitchers. The chance to pick their brains on preparation, scouting, and in-game adjustments could prove invaluable as Skubal aims to cement his status as one of the game's elite arms.