Two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers plans to make only one start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, a decision that could impact the team’s pitching depth in the tournament.
The WBC is March 5-17 in Houston, Miami, Tokyo and San Juan. The United States opens against Brazil in Houston on March 6.
Skubal told reporters about his WBC plan after pitching in his first spring training game Monday. According to The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen, Skubal said that if the U.S. makes it to the final, he would lobby the Tigers to be with his U.S. teammates.
The Detroit left-hander’s lone start will come March 7 against Great Britain.
“I’m trying to do both things, trying to pitch for Team USA, but I understand the need to be here with these guys and get ready for the season,” Skubal said, referencing the Tigers.
Skubal is the ace of the U.S. staff, which also features reigning National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2025, Skubal led the American League in wins above replacement with 6.5 and ERA (2.21) while going 13-6 and striking out a career-high 241 in a career-high 195.1 innings.
Tarik Skubal is entering his free-agent season
Skubal’s decision to pitch only once in the WBC is understandable, even if it may be disappointing for fans.
Entering a free-agent year with the potential to become the highest-paid pitcher in Major League Baseball history, Skubal is understandably focused on durability and long-term value. This offseason, he also set a record for arbitration salaries for a pitcher when the Tigers awarded him $32 million for the upcoming season.
Coming off a career high in innings and entering his walk year, Skubal appears intent on managing his workload in 2026 to reduce the risk of arm trouble.
Several high-profile pitchers are already dealing with significant issues. Corbin Burnes, the Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander and 2021 Cy Young Award winner, isn’t expected to return until after the All-Star break following Tommy John surgery, and right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves recently had bone spurs removed from his elbow.
The United States faces stiff competition in the tournament, especially from Japan and the Dominican Republic. Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani plays for defending champion Japan, while the Dominican Republic features Blue Jays star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The WBC was last played in 2023.