2025 MLB All-Star Game: A Thrilling Matchup

Tarik Skubal is an American professional baseball pitcher, currently serving as the ace of the Detroit Tigers in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on November 20, 1996, in Hayward, California, Skubal was raised in Kingman, Arizona. He played college baseball at Seattle University, where he set multiple school records including lowest opponent batting average and most strikeouts per nine innings. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB Draft and made his major league debut on August 18, 2020[2][3][4][6]. Skubal’s career breakthrough came in the 2024 season, when he achieved the pitching Triple Crown by leading the American League (AL) in wins (18), earned run average (ERA) (2.39), and strikeouts (238). This outstanding performance earned him the AL Cy Young Award unanimously, with all 30 first-place votes, recognizing him as the best pitcher in the league. His 6.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) was also the highest in MLB that year. He was also named to the All-MLB First Team and won several monthly and weekly awards during the season[1][2][4][5]. In 2025, Skubal has continued to excel, improving his statistics with a 5-2 record, 2.16 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, and 3.1 WAR by midseason, positioning himself among the top pitchers in baseball and earning All-Star selections in both 2024 and 2025[1][4][5]. Known for his strong left-handed pitching and resilience overcoming early career injuries—including Tommy John surgery during college—Skubal has established himself as a dominant force in MLB, playing a key role in the Detroit Tigers’ competitive status[2][3][4].

Aaron Judge is a professional baseball player renowned for his impressive career with the New York Yankees. Born on April 26, 1992, in Linden, California, Judge stands at 6'7" and weighs 282 lbs, making him one of the tallest players in Major League Baseball (MLB)[6]. He began his journey in baseball at Linden High School and later attended California State University, Fresno, where he developed his skills and earned All-Western Athletic Conference honors[1][3]. Judge was drafted by the New York Yankees in the first round of the 2013 MLB draft, with the 32nd overall pick[4]. His professional debut with the Yankees occurred on August 13, 2016[5]. Notably, Judge had a breakout season in 2017, hitting 52 home runs and setting the American League record for most home runs by a rookie[2]. He also won the Home Run Derby that year, becoming the first rookie to achieve this feat[2]. In 2022, Judge further solidified his position as a baseball icon by setting the American League record for the most home runs hit in a single season with 62[2]. Throughout his career, Judge has been a six-time All-Star and has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named the American League Rookie of the Year in 2017[1][4]. Currently, Judge continues to play a crucial role for the New York Yankees, maintaining his status as a key figure in the team. His recent performances have been impressive, with multiple selections as the American League Player of the Month and Player of the Week[4][5]. Despite occasional injury concerns, Judge remains a dominant force in baseball, consistently contributing to the Yankees' success and drawing significant attention during postseason games[7].