Tigers' Skubal won't make another WBC start

Cy Young winner cites spring plan and contract stakes as reasons for decision

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, a two-time AL Cy Young Award winner, has decided not to make another start for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. Skubal said he was surprised by how emotional pitching for his country made him, but ultimately decided to stick to his original spring training plan and focus on preparing for the upcoming MLB season, citing his impending free agency and the high-stakes contract negotiations involved.

Why it matters

Skubal's decision highlights the difficult balance players face between representing their country in international competitions and prioritizing their professional careers, especially when significant contract negotiations are on the horizon. As one of the game's top pitchers, Skubal's choice not to continue in the WBC will be closely watched by other players facing similar decisions.

The details

Skubal gave up a home run on his first pitch for the U.S. team but then allowed just one single while striking out five in three innings of a 9-1 victory over Britain. He said he consulted with the Tigers, his agent Scott Boras, and his teammates before making the decision to not make another WBC start, citing his original spring training plan and the high stakes of his upcoming free agency.

  • Skubal made one start for the U.S. team on March 7, 2026.
  • Skubal is eligible to become a free agent after the 2023 MLB season.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A Detroit Tigers starting pitcher and two-time AL Cy Young Award winner who decided not to make another start for the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic.

A.J. Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers, who Skubal consulted with regarding his decision.

Scott Boras

Skubal's agent, who he consulted with about his decision.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic, who understood and supported Skubal's decision.

Nate Eaton

The British player who hit a home run off Skubal in his one start for the U.S. team.

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What they’re saying

“My spring training start days were scripted out in January with the original plan being starting and then being done. And obviously when I got here my emotions kind of changed a little bit, my thought process changed a little bit and tried to make it work but just couldn't. And I hate it, but it's all right.”

— Tarik Skubal

“I know what's at stake for him. I'm over the moon he decided to show in the first place for us — I really am — and take the ball for us. I think it meant a lot to a lot of guys in that room. We know where his heart is. If he was in a different situation, he wouldn't be leaving.”

— Mark DeRosa, U.S. Team Manager

“I totally misread how I would feel. And I feel like I'm genuinely a guy that kind of understands emotions, I pitch with a lot of them, but, yeah, I missed it there, and that's what made this decision tough.”

— Tarik Skubal

What’s next

Skubal plans to make the trip from Tigers camp in Lakeland, Florida, to Miami to be with the U.S. team if they advance to the semifinals and finals of the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

Skubal's decision highlights the difficult choices top MLB players face when balancing national team commitments with their professional obligations and contract negotiations. While disappointed to leave the WBC, Skubal prioritized his spring training plan and impending free agency, underscoring the high stakes involved for elite players in these international tournaments.