Tarik Skubal didn’t just accept the 2025 American League Cy Young Award on Saturday night; he delivered a speech that perfectly captured who he is as a competitor, teammate, husband, father, and face of the Detroit Tigers.

There was confidence.
There was gratitude.
There was emotion.
And there was even a little “run it back” energy that should have Tigers fans smiling.

Here is Skubal’s full Cy Young acceptance speech, word for word, via the Detroit Free Press:

“First off, I’d like to express what an incredible privilege it is to share this stage with the caliber of players up here tonight. I’m humbled to be a part of this group and know the greatness from everyone up here is part of what pushes me to be the best version of myself every time I take the mound. I want to thank the baseball writers for selecting me as the winner of this prestigious award. It’s an honor to be back here, and it’s something I’ll never take for granted. After last year’s dinner, I told A.J. [Hinch], ‘Same time next year.’ But I didn’t really know it would become a reality. Skip, for the sake of superstition and a three-peat, let’s go ahead and keep the same plan for a year from now. In all seriousness, I never take moments like these for granted because who knows how many times I’ll be able to share this space with these people.

“The most important person in the room tonight is my wife. Where are you? There you are. Thank you for being who you are – for consistently pushing me to be the man, father and husband that I’m supposed to be. Thank you for setting an example for our two boys and showing them what true unconditional love is. Though we’re here to celebrate what happens on the field, the countless sacrifices you make for our family is what makes it all possible. I love you.

“I want to take a moment to thank some of the people who are responsible for who I am. I’ll start with the Tigers. Chris Ilitch, the Ilitch family, Scott Harris, Jeff Greenberg, A.J., Fett [Chris Fetter], Lundy [Robin Lund], Nae Nae [Juan Nieves], Ryno [Ryne Eubanks], Kelly [Rhoades], C-Mac [Chris MacDonald], Duncan [Evans], Drew [Heithoff], Shane [Wallen], Timmy [Tim Remes], Chi-Chi [Chris Chinea]. Thank you for putting up with me on a daily basis and instilling confidence in me. It doesn’t go unnoticed. To the boys at APEX [Performance Facility], Justin [Wakefield], Wes [Budge], Zinger [John Huizinga], thank you for consistently pushing me year in and year out to levels I didn’t think were possible. To my family, mom, dad, thank you for raising me the right way and instilling a work ethic in me and to never be satisfied. To Scott Boras and the Boras Corp, thank you guys for always having my back. You guys have been there with me throughout my entire career, and I can’t thank you for always taking care of me and my family. Lastly, to my teammates, thank you guys for always demanding me to push the threshold of what I’m capable of. I truly appreciate it. And a special shoutout to the guys behind the plate: Dillon Dingler and Jake Rogers. Not only are you guys incredible at making sure we’re prepared to win every game, but also for the way you hold me accountable. Thank you for that.

“We’re at an incredible point in history of our great sport, and it’s so humbling to stand here taking a moment to recognize my place within it. Thank you again for this honor.”

From the three-peat tease, to the heartfelt message to his wife, to the long list of coaches, trainers, teammates, and family members, this was the kind of speech that reminds you why Tarik Skubal isn’t just an ace, he’s a leader and a cornerstone of the Tigers’ future… IF THEY FIND A WAY TO KEEP HIM AROUND!!!

Detroit has waited a long time for a pitcher who combines dominance, humility, and edge.

Saturday night, Skubal showed he has all three.