Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal is on a personal quest to perfect his slider, aiming for a version akin to Clayton Kershaw's renowned pitch. Despite possessing a formidable fastball and changeup, Skubal's slider remains a point of frustration as he struggles to achieve the desired movement and velocity. His obsession with Kershaw's slider has driven him to experiment with various grips and techniques, yet he continues to fall short. Every offseason brings hope for improvement, reflecting the modern pitcher's approach to refining their arsenal.

Pitching coaches note that even without a Kershaw-like slider, Skubal remains an elite pitcher. As a member of the five-pitch club, he understands the significance of diversifying his offerings to stay competitive in an evolving game. The art of adding new pitches is prevalent in baseball today, with pitchers constantly seeking to enhance their effectiveness. Skubal's journey highlights the continuous struggle and triumphs faced by pitchers in their pursuit of perfection, reminding fans that behind every successful pitch lies a story of dedication and resilience.