Tarik Skubal weighs staying with Team USA

The Detroit Tigers ace faces a difficult decision as he prepares for free agency

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Tarik Skubal, the back-to-back AL Cy Young award winner, is torn about whether to continue pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic or return to the Detroit Tigers to prepare for the upcoming season and his impending free agency. Skubal initially planned to make only one start for Team USA, but the experience has changed his perspective and he is now reconsidering that decision, despite concerns from his agent Scott Boras and the Tigers about the risk of injury.

Why it matters

Skubal's decision will have major implications for both Team USA's chances in the WBC and the Tigers' hopes for the upcoming season. As a top free agent-to-be, Skubal's health and performance are crucial, but he also feels a strong sense of pride and duty to represent his country in the tournament.

The details

Skubal gave up a home run on his first pitch for Team USA but then settled in to pitch three dominant innings, striking out five and allowing only one other hit. His original plan was to make just one start for Team USA, but he is now torn about leaving the team, citing the inspiring environment and high-level conversations in the clubhouse. However, pitching in the WBC final on March 17 would leave Skubal with just an eight-day layoff before the Tigers' season opener on March 26, which could disrupt his routine and increase injury risk.

  • Skubal threw 41 pitches in his first start for Team USA on March 11, 2026.
  • The WBC final is scheduled for March 17, 2026.
  • The Detroit Tigers open their season on March 26, 2026.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A back-to-back American League Cy Young award winner who pitches for the Detroit Tigers and is set to become a highly sought-after free agent after the 2023 season.

Scott Boras

Tarik Skubal's agent, who is likely to discourage Skubal from making another high-intensity start in the WBC due to injury concerns that could derail his free agency.

AJ Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers, who expects Skubal to return to the team's spring training camp after his first WBC start.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of Team USA, who initially did not expect Skubal to join the team but is now aware of the difficult decision Skubal is facing.

Bryce Harper

A first baseman for Team USA and a fellow client of agent Scott Boras, who understands the difficult position Skubal is in.

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What they’re saying

“This is going to be one of the tougher decisions I've made in my career so far.”

— Tarik Skubal (New York Times)

“We all know the importance of getting to wear USA on the chest and what it means to be on this team. The guys who are here, the guys who are committed, it's a special group. Everybody feels that pull. You want to be here. But there's also an understanding there's a pull in other directions, a season to get ready for. Sometimes you have to make hard decisions. There is an understanding of that, no matter how much we want to win this.”

— Clay Holmes, Team USA pitcher (New York Times)

“He's got to do what's best for himself and his career. If he wants to stay, awesome, we'd love to have him, love him to start for us. But on the other side, I understand what it's all about. For him to come in and even pitch with everything he has to do this year to get the dollar amount he wants, I respect it.”

— Bryce Harper, Team USA first baseman (New York Times)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.