Skubal also became the first AL player to win the Triple Crown in a full season since 2011. His record is quite similar to Sale an 18-4 record with 228 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.39. Sale, 35, has long been one of MLB’s great pitchers. From 2012 to 2018, he finished in the top six in Cy Young voting every season. He placed second in 2017 and third in 2014. However, injuries took their toll on Sale earlier this decade as he missed the entire 2020 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, then only made a total of 11 appearances over the next two years. The Boston Red Sox traded Sale to the Braves in December also sending Atlanta $17 million, effectively paying his salary this season. Atlanta, in a show of confidence in Sale’s health, signed him to a two-year, $38 million contract extension.

Skubal, 28, overcame his own injury problems to have his best professional season yet. He threw just 80 1/3 innings in 2023 after undergoing flexor tendon surgery the previous year though he did win AL Pitcher of the Month for September 2023. In late April, Skubal became the first Tigers pitcher to have more than 40 strikeouts and fewer than nine walks in his first six outings. Skubal is eligible this season after he played last season on a one-year, $2.65 million contract. He could become a free agent after the 2026 season, although Detroit could try to sign him to an extension before then.