Tarik Skubal is splitting the difference.
The Tigers ace confirmed Monday that he will make just one shortened start for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, balancing his desire to represent his country with the reality of preparing for a pivotal 2026 season in Detroit.
“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, via Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. “I think it’s kind of the best of both worlds in that aspect, and I’m grateful they took me in that capacity.”
According to Bob Nightengale, Skubal’s lone appearance will come on March 7 against Great Britain in the Americans’ second pool-play game.
That means no full tournament run. No knockout-round starts. And likely no championship-round outing if Team USA advances.
Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn ImagesA Walk Year With Historic Stakes for Tarik Skubal
Context matters here.
Skubal is the reigning two-time American League Cy Young Award winner and will make $32 million in 2026 after winning his arbitration case against the Tigers. It’s also his final season under contract. If he reaches free agency next winter, the market could be unprecedented.
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel suggested last fall that Skubal could surpass Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s $325 million deal, and potentially become the first $400 million pitcher in baseball history. Ken Rosenthal echoed that sentiment earlier this month, writing that Skubal “is headed toward a potential $400 million contract in free agency.”
That’s the backdrop to this WBC decision. There’s also the possibility that Detroit could trade Skubal before he becomes a free agent. But that’s likely a conversation for July. In the meantime, Skubal’s focus remains on Opening Day — March 26, when the Tigers visit the Padres.
Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesFrom the outside, this feels like a hedge.
Skubal clearly wanted to participate. There’s national pride involved. There’s the experience. There’s the spotlight. But there’s also the reality of a walk year tied to what could be the richest pitching contract ever signed.
One abbreviated start against Great Britain checks the “I did it” box without meaningfully risking the grind of a full tournament.
If that was always going to be the plan, though, you could argue Team USA might have preferred that lone outing come against a stronger opponent, perhaps Mexico on March 9 in Houston, rather than against a lighter lineup in Great Britain, which won just one game in the 2023 version of the tournament.
It also subtly shifts the pitching dynamic for the Americans. Paul Skenes now carries the “ace” label (and responsibilities) rather than sharing it. Not that Team USA is short on arms. Logan Webb and Matthew Boyd are on the roster. Joe Ryan (currently managing a back issue) is in the mix.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesNolan McLean and Clay Holmes add depth. McLean has just eight major league innings, but he pitched for Josh Holliday at Oklahoma State, and Holliday’s brother, Matt, is Mark DeRosa’s hitting coach for Team USA this year.
The Americans are still very much capable of winning the whole thing. But not having Skubal available for the championship round is a bit of a letdown for fans hoping to see the sport’s best left-hander on the biggest international stage.
Skubal will toe the rubber once in red, white, and blue. After that, it’s back to Detroit, and perhaps the most consequential season of his career.
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