2018 MLB Draft to the Show: Then & Now Tarik Skubal

Just five weeks into the 2020 MLB Season and we’ve already seen 13 debuts by 2018 MLB Draft selections, plus another prospect who went undrafted, but was signed as a free agent after the draft. Overall, there have been an amazing 177 Major League debuts so far in the 2020 season. Today, we take a look at the amateur report of one of those who has made it to The Show. Now taking the mound, our No. 126 ranked prospect from the 2018 PBR Draft Board Tarik Skubal.

To check out our Then & Now series from this past spring featuring 2020 draft prospects, please see Draft HQ/Then & Now.

Tarik Skubal, LHP, Detroit Tigers
Selected in the 8th round of the first-ever PBR Simul-Draft, Skubal was selected by the Tigers an hour later in the 9th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. The Tigers' area scout responsible for recommending Skubal was Dave Dangler and he was soon signed to an over slot deal for a $350,000 signing bonus. Skubal debuted on August 18 in Chicago against the White Sox, pumping fastballs up to 97 mph, complemented by a newly developed curveball to go along with his changeup and slider. He lasted just two innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, but threw 33 of his 52 pitches for strikes. For more on Skubal's debut, please see- MLB.com Debut Video & Boxscore

THEN 2018 as a College Junior: “Durable frame with thicker lower-half, broad chest, and long limbs. Repeats a smooth delivery with a high leg kick working linear down the mound. Has a fast, strong arm, and releases out of a high slot almost recoiling as his back side does not get all the way through. Fastball worked 90-93 mph with heavier arm side life. Struggled at times with command of the pitch, especially to the glove side. Garnered multiple swings and misses with the fastball both in and out of the zone. Was overpowering for much of the game finishing with 12 strikeouts and 3 walks while giving up 5 hits and 3 earned runs in 5.2 innings. Slider was thrown out of the same window at 77-8 mph with shorter break, and got progressively better throughout an outing that featured multiple long “sit downs” due to big offensive innings for Seattle. Slows his arm speed some on the pitch, but went to it to put away hitters, especially right-handers who he was able to back leg at times. Flashed a few changeups (82-83) that were more “show-me” pitches with some fading action, but was primarily fastball/slider. The hand flirts with getting inside the elbow before a stiffer deceleration process during the follow through. Has some deception to the delivery with the high leg kick and glove being thrown out towards the plate. Pitching with emotion and showing it at times, hiss control lacked in a game which had little flow. However, his ability to get swings and misses with the fastball is enticing for the professional ranks, especially if he finds greater command of it.”

FULL DRAFT REPORT from April 30, 2018