Five reasons why Skubal is so dominant
Follow
Gerrit Skubal’s dominance since returning from Tommy John surgery on July 4, 2023, has been nothing short of historic. Over the past three seasons, he has led all pitchers with a 2.47 ERA, a 2.42 FIP, and a 2.70 xERA, while also posting the highest strikeout-to-walk ratio (26.7%) in baseball—a mark of elite command.
His overall value is unmatched, with 21.3 WAR since his return, solidifying his status as the most valuable pitcher in the game. Skubal’s arsenal is a major factor in his success, with a Stuff+ composite score of 117 last season ranking among the best in the league, trailing only Jacob Misiorowski and Chris Sale.
Each of his five pitches grades above average, including a standout heater, a devastating two-seamer, and a changeup that batters struggle to square up. Beyond raw velocity, Skubal’s ability to blend seam-shifted movement and spin-axis deception makes his pitches nearly indistinguishable until they reach the plate, forcing hitters into difficult decisions.
His adaptability to modern pitching trends—such as varying fastball shapes and optimizing spin efficiency—has further cemented his edge over peers, making him a two-time Cy Young winner and the clear ace of the current free-agent class.
