USA Today via Reuters
Oct 1, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws against the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 1, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws against the Milwaukee Brewers during the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
In the world of Major League Baseball, comparisons to legends is often reserved for the most dominant players. So when Jack Flaherty drew a comparison between his Detroit Tigers’ teammate Tarik Skubal, and none other than Los Angeles star Clayton Kershaw, it stopped fans in their tracks. After all, Kershaw’s dominance over the past decade has set a standard few can hope to match!
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Flaherty having spent time with Kershaw on the Dodgers, saw firsthand the relentlessness that defined the three-time Cy Young winner. But it was Skubal’s aggressive approach on the mound that reminded Flaherty of Kershaw’s prime years. “It reminds you of Kershaw when he was at his best and even still now,” Flaherty shared.
“It’s strike one, strike two, coming right at you.” That’s some high praise, and why not? Kershaw’s prime was a dominant era in baseball, where few pitchers could rival his dominance on the mound.
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And while Kershaw’s prime was marked by Cy Young Awards and 9.7 strikeouts per nine innings, Skubal is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with in his own right. In the 2024 season, Skubal led the American League in strikeouts, ERA, and wins, earning a coveted Cy Young Award. Now alongside Flaherty in Detroit’s starter squad, Skubal has the opportunity to further cement his legacy.
For Flaherty, the opportunity to work alongside Skubal presents an exciting new chapter. They both are poised to lead the Tigers into a new era. An era which will see Flaherty’s veteran experience with Skubal’s rising dominance in MLB. As the Tigers’ rotation transforms, it’s clear that this unexpected comparison could be the catalyst for something special in Detroit.
Flaherty and Skubal might just be the next great pitching duo, and if they keep their foot on the gas, they could be very well in MLB’s record books. While the Kershaw comparison might be bold, but with their shared approach, it may not be far off the mark!
Clayton Kershaw plans to return in 2025
Clayton Kershaw is far from done with baseball. Despite an injury-plagued 2024 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ legendary lefty has every intention of returning to the mound in 2025.
Clayton Kershaw, who missed much of the 2024 season due to left shoulder surgery and a toe injury, intends to bounce back stronger next year.“Obviously, I had some tough luck with my foot this year, but I want to make use of this shoulder surgery,” Kershaw said. “I don’t want to have surgery and then shut it down.”
Though his 2024 season was a not-so-impressive one. With 7 starts and a 4.50 ERA, his track record speaks for itself. With a career 212-94 record and a sparkling 2.50 ERA, he remains one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history. On top of that, his 2968 strikeout makes him one of the most accomplished arms.
While the injuries have surely taken a toll, Kershaw’s desire to return to the mound is clear. The Dodgers’ ace has always been a fighter, and his passion for the game shows no signs of fading. As the 2025 season is on the horizon, baseball fans will be eagerly watching to see if the future Hall-of-Famer can make yet another remarkable comeback.
Written by
Edited by
Reyan Mishra