Detroit Tigers need to expect improvement from two young guns in 2022

The Detroit Tigers need to expect improvement from their young starting pitchers during the 2022 season. It’s not to say that the two starting pitchers are not performing well enough or are struggling, but they should be looking to expect continued improvement.

When it comes to the Detroit Tigers, the prized possessions of their rebuild so far have been their pitching depth. Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal are going into the third season in the big leagues and second full-season, and frankly, they need to continue getting better.

The Tigers pitching development is in the hands of Chris Fetter, who has done plenty for this organization and is really doing wonderful things overall. If he can continue to work with and mold these young pitchers into something special, the Tigers are going to be doing something great.

Both Mize and Skubal are thought to be at the top of the Tigers’ future pitching depth, and they are showing why. But more needs to be done, and they need to continue showing that they truly are going to be a big part of the Tigers’ starting rotation.

Detroit Tigers should expect Mize and Skubal to improve even more in 2022.

In 2021 Mize would make 30 starts while he pitched to a 7-9 record, a 3.71 ERA, and a 1.14 WHIP. He was also able to capture 118 strikeouts over 150.1 innings pitched. While he slowed down at the end of the season to limit his innings, he was able to post a tremendous first full season in the big leagues.

Mize needs to come out and make a statement in 2022 as to why he truly is going to be the face of this team’s rotation for the future. He has a shot to be this team’s new ace, and as long as he can show it, the Tigers are going to be a very lucky ballclub.

On the flipside, Skubal is a former ninth-round pick who has been the diamond in the rough for the Tigers organization. He has overachieved many expectations and been a consistent part of the Tigers rotation, and it looks like he will maintain that for an excellent MLB career.

In 2021, Skubal would make 29 starts for the Tigers organization, where he pitched to an 8-12 record, 4.34 ERA, and a 1.26 WHIP. He would tally 164 strikeouts over 149.1 innings pitched. It was a good showing from the left-handed pitcher who really started to find a groove by the end of the season.

Skubal needs to come out and show even more improvements during the 2022 season. He has to get things going and work with Fetter to find the best balance and get the most out of this upcoming season.