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 jersey retired in the outfield of Comerica Park (well, now Fifth Third Park) one day. Since 2000, he has led all Tigers pitchers in every notable counting statistic, and by a wide margin. But that can get you thinking…who is ? There are only two options: Tarik Skubal and Max Scherzer.

Both pitchers accrued 22.4 fWAR while wearing the old English D. Who had a more defining era as a Tigers pitcher? Who will be remembered more fondly by fans?

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Oct 2, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (37) pitches during the first inning in game one of the 2014 American League divisional series at Oriole Park against the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards.Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Max Scherzer

Scherzer, acquired in a then low-profile trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks, pitched in Detroit for five years (2010-2014). He threw 1,103 innings in 161 games. He won the Cy Young Award in 2013 and finished fifth in 2014. He was an integral part of the 2012 World Series runner-up team, in which he allowed a 2.08 ERA (1.54 FIP) throughout the postseason run during 17 1/3 innings. He struck out 26 batters while allowing four walks during that postseason, including 10 strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings during Game 4 of the ALCS to send Detroit to the World Series.

Since 2000, Scherzer ranks second amongst Detroit pitchers in postseason innings pitched (62.2) while sporting a 3.73 ERA (2.94 FIP). During his regular season career, he struck out 26% of batters and walked 7.3% while allowing a .688 OPS. He recorded two seasons in which he struck out 250+ batters (252 in 2014 and 276 in 2015). He recorded 1,081 strikeouts while in Detroit.

One of his most memorable moments was during the 2013 ALDS. During game 4, Scherzer made an unexpected appearance in relief. Against the Oakland Athletics, he entered the game in the 7th inning. During a dramatic 8th inning, he escaped a bases-loaded, no-out predicament and helped Detroit win the pivotal game.
Tarik Skubal

Skubal, a ninth-round pick by Detroit in 2018, pitched for the Tigers for seven years. He pitched 863 1/3 innings in 153 games. He has the edge over Scherzer in K/9 (10.5 vs. 9.6), BB/9 (1.94 vs. 2.71), ERA (3.04 vs. 3.52), and FIP (3.08 vs. 3.32). While Scherzer pitched more postseason innings (62 2/3 vs 39 2/3), Skubal sports a better ERA (2.04) and FIP (1.91).

Skubal has won two Cy Young Awards and achieved the rare pitching Triple Crown. He finished in the top seven in the AL MVP voting in 2024 and 2025. He recorded 1,005 strikeouts while in Detroit. His back-to-back award-winning seasons helped secure the largest arbitration salary in baseball history. In his time, he’s become one of the best left-handers in the sport.

In September 2025, with the Tigers pushing for an unexpected postseason spot, he recorded 39 strikeouts with a 2.10 ERA. On several occasions, he pitched on short rest to anchor the rotation against the rival Cleveland Guardians. He’d finish the 2025 postseason with a 1.74 ERA (1.49 FIP) in 20 2/3 innings with 36 strikeouts.

Despite producing the same fWAR in a similar time frame, Skubal appears to be the clear winner in this debate. He beats Scherzer not only in most regular season counting stats but also with his individual accolades. Skubal’s postseason excellence is icing on the cake.

Scherzer hit another gear when he left Detroit and cemented his Hall of Fame career with the Washington Nationals, as well as pitching effectively well into his late 30s. Skubal was a homegrown ace; a diamond in the rough who rose to become an ace and a workhorse starting pitcher. We will see how the rest of Skubal’s career plays out, but if he returns to Detroit, there’s a case for him to challenge Verlander as the best Tigers pitcher in this millennium.

Main Photo Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images