Every year, I wait to see who’s gonna be the first person to post a spring training over reactionary take. I figured in 2026, I’d get out in front of it and be the first one. Is the Tigers' pitching staff washed? OK, obviously I’m being cheeky here, but this is a pretty neat trio of homers. I would argue that anybody homering against Tarik Skubal is about as likely as seeing Haley’s comet at this point, but a lefty like Josue Briceno taking him bridge is definitely a rare oddity. I hope he gets to find and keep that ball.

One thing that I’ve never thought about is the fact that there’s probably no better way to improve as a professional hitter than to face Tarik Skubal, and members of the Tigers organization have that “luxury” when they get to face him during spring camp. Just keep in mind that no matter what happens in spring, it’s basically irrelevant to the veterans. To the young guys, it means a little bit more. Guys are trying to make the team, and there are certain positional races to pay attention to, but I don’t want to see people worrying about Tarik Skubal if he gives up a few home runs in a spring training start. Justin Verlander once tweeted that spring training doesn’t mean shit. He meant it.