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Tigers' Tarik Skubal to make one start in World Baseball Classic
Detroit pitcher will return to Tigers camp after initial WBC appearance
Feb. 23, 2026 at 8:04pm
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Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal said he will make only one start for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic before returning to his normal spring training routine with the Tigers. Skubal agreed to join Team USA's star-studded pitching staff for the tournament, but wants to keep his focus on getting ready for the upcoming MLB season with the Tigers, who have World Series aspirations.
Why it matters
Skubal's decision to limit his WBC participation highlights the challenges pitchers face in balancing national team commitments with their obligations to their MLB clubs, especially those with playoff contention goals. The Tigers will be counting on Skubal, one of their top starters, to be fully prepared for the regular season.
The details
Skubal said he will make one start for Team USA in WBC pool play before returning to the Tigers' spring training camp in Lakeland, Florida. He wanted to represent his country in the tournament but also needs to focus on getting ready for the Tigers' season, as he enters his final year of team control before free agency.
- Skubal will make one start for Team USA in the WBC, which begins on March 6.
- Skubal will then return to the Tigers' spring training camp in Lakeland, Florida.
The players
Tarik Skubal
A left-handed starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who is entering his final year of team control before free agency.
Paul Skenes
A Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher who spoke with Skubal at MLBPA meetings and helped convince him to join Team USA for the WBC.
Mark DeRosa
The manager of Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.
What they’re saying
“I'm making one start. The reason I didn't announce it (originally) is I wanted to keep momentum on the WBC. I'm making one start, then I'll stick around for a few games. I haven't determined what games I'm going to watch. If they go to the finals, I think I'm going to try and lobby to just go watch and be with the guys.”
— Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers pitcher
“That was the communication I had with those guys. 'Hey, listen, there's some risk.' Obviously, 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. I think it's kind of the best of both worlds in that aspect, and I'm grateful they took me in that capacity.”
— Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers pitcher
What’s next
Team USA begins its WBC slate on March 6 against Brazil. Skubal will make one start for the team before returning to Tigers camp to continue his preparations for the upcoming MLB season.
The takeaway
Skubal's decision to limit his WBC participation highlights the delicate balance pitchers must strike between representing their country and prioritizing their MLB team's needs, especially for those on contending clubs like the Tigers who are counting on Skubal to be fully ready for the regular season.
