Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal has become a key member of the MLB players’ union leadership.
Skubal — the winner of the 2024 American League Cy Young Award — was elected Wednesday to a two-year term as one of eight players on the Major League Baseball Players Association executive subcommittee. He is one of six newcomers.
Player representatives from each of the 30 MLB teams voted on the leadership positions. Right-hander Casey Mize is the Tigers’ player representative.
There are four types of roles within the MLBPA’s eight-player executive subcommittee. Skubal is one of two alternate pension committee representatives, alongside Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins.
The other six members of MLBPA leadership: Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien (association player rep), Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Chris Bassitt (association player rep), San Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth (alternate association player rep), Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes (association player rep), Cincinnati Reds left-handed reliever Brent Suter (pension committee rep) and Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Pete Fairbanks (pension committee rep)
Semien and Suter are returning members, but the other six players are new to the committee.
There were six players who completed two-year terms: Lance McCullers Jr., Jack Flaherty, Ian Happ, Austin Slater, Francisco Lindor and Lucas Giolito. The departure of those six players created openings for six newcomers, including Skubal.
Skubal, 28, posted a 2.39 ERA with 35 walks and 228 strikeouts across 192 innings in 31 starts in the 2024 season, winning the AL pitching Triple Crown. The former ninth-round draft pick has completed five MLB seasons.
Skubal is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.
