One cunning talent in the Detroit Tigers’ farm system is making progress as he moves up the ranks. In addition to the Tigers’ present success in 2025, Kenny Serwa’s achievement provides them something to look forward to in the near future.
With ace Tarik Skubal on track to win another AL Cy Young Award and receive another All-Star selection this season, the Tigers already have a strong squad. Jackson Jobe, a former top prospect who debuted with the Tigers in 2024, is also included.
Kenny Serwa’s knuckleball stands out
Serwa, 27, distinguishes himself from other pitchers by being a unicorn. At nine years old, he began throwing his hallmark knuckleball. He is now infamous for tossing one of baseball’s fastest knuckleballs. It tops out at 88.5 mph and averages 87 mph. He also has a slower version of his knuckleball, which he calls his “Yoshi” pitch, that is 5 to 10 mph slower.
A low-90s sinker, a low-80s curveball, and a four-seam fastball (94 mph) make up his five-pitch mix. As a customer of Tread Athletics, where his skill development began, the knuckleball wonder has thrown for independent professional teams.
Kenny Serwa is moving up the ranks with the Tigers
Because of the excitement around Serwa, the Tigers decided to sign the highly-regarded prospect in January of this year’s offseason. Serwa’s excellent performance in May has done a good job of drawing a lot of attention.
He’s moving up the prospect ladder, as seen by his promotion with the Erie Seawolves on June 5th, which came after his success.
He has a 3-1 record this season, 34 strikeouts, and a 2.75 ERA. The right-hander is all the more fascinating because he isn’t even listed among the Tigers’ top 30 prospects.
Serwa is preparing to enter the major leagues, and although there is no set date for his Tigers debut, it is probably going to happen soon.
Although he still has to grow, he is well-positioned to realize his full potential with baseball’s toughest knuckleball.
