Detroit Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal is the frontrunner for the 2024 American League (AL) Cy Young Award, with the baseball world captivated by a prediction Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper made three years ago. Back in 2021 Spring Training, Harper’s teammate at the time, Rhys Hoskins, recalls Harper predicting that Skubal would one day secure the Cy Young title after he struck Harper out on three pitches.

“Bryce walked back to the dugout and said, ‘That guy’s going to be a Cy Young one day,'” Hoskins shared via the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA).

This season, Skubal has backed up Harper’s foresight with a record-breaking year, clinching the AL Triple Crown by posting the league’s lowest ERA, highest strikeout count, and best win-loss record. Other notable players, including Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Tyler O’Neill, have commended Skubal for his performance, which earned him the MLBPA Player’s Choice Award for AL Outstanding Pitcher.

Though Cleveland Guardians’ Emmanuel Clase had an impressive season as a relief pitcher and other players like Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Corbin Burnes remain in the Cy Young conversation, Skubal’s performance has made him a near-lock for the award. Betting odds reflect this certainty, with Skubal listed at -5,000, highlighting his dominance throughout the season and bringing Harper’s prediction to the brink of reality.