Detroit Tigers ace needs a big year in 2024 to cement his role in rotation

The Detroit Tigers are well engulfed in Spring Training, allowing their players to get reps in and prepare for the 2024 season that awaits them. For pitchers, this is always a big time of the year as they look to iron everything out and be ready to go for the upcoming year.

For Detroit Tigers southpaw Tarik Skubal, this is even more true. The left-hander has become the "ace" of the team's staff, looking to cement his role as the no.1 option in the team's rotation. Skubal has had a long road back to the big leagues.

Skbual underwent flexor tendon surgery, missing a ton of time before re-joining the Tigers in 2023. It has been a lengthy road to recovery, but Skubal was back on the bump in 2023 for the Tigers, getting some starts under his belt.

He's trying to prove he can be the team's best arm. He's got his work cut out for him. It's not meant to sound negative or display a lack of confidence in Skubal, but he will have to come out and string together a big year for the team to cement his role as the team's ace. The 2024 season is his opportunity to do so.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal must cement himself as the ace in 2024.

The former ninth-round pick has come a long way in his time with the Tigers organization, and it has sure panned out well for Detroit. Skubal's made a name for himself as a starter and is looking like he's going to be a force to be reckoned with in the big leagues for years.

He's healthy again and has proven it after making 15 starts last season. Skubal logged 80.1 innings pitched, where he managed a 2.80 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP while walking just 14 hitters and striking out 102. He's looked the part before for Detroit, so this year, he's just proving he can do it once again.

However, the Tigers need him to prove himself. He needs to ensure that he can lead this team's rotation. This spring, Skubal has looked great, and there's hope he'll come out and send a message. If he bears down and goes on a tear through 2024, it could mean big things for the Tigers' future.

This spring, Skubal has managed five innings of scoreless ball. He's allowed just one hit and added one walk, striking out eight opposing hitters along the way. He will be getting work in ahead of the start of the season, but he has been confirmed as the team's Opening Day starter.

Hopefully, 2024 will be when Skubal separates himself as the team's ace.