Tigers' Skubal Focused on World Series Amid WBC Criticism

Ace pitcher limits WBC participation to prioritize Detroit's title hopes in contract year

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has faced criticism for his decision to only make one start for Team USA during the World Baseball Classic, citing the timing of the tournament and his focus on winning a World Series with the Tigers in his contract year. Skubal explained that while he wants to compete in the WBC, his priority is preparing for the regular season and helping the Tigers reach the World Series.

Why it matters

Skubal is one of the best pitchers in baseball and his decision to limit his WBC participation has drawn the ire of some fans. However, as he enters a contract year, Skubal is prioritizing his long-term future and the Tigers' chances of winning a championship over the short-term WBC tournament.

The details

Skubal, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, said the timing of the WBC is one of the main reasons he will only be making one start, along with his focus being on winning a World Series with the Tigers. The 29-year-old lefty explained that the Tigers have made additions that make a World Series appearance attainable, and that is his top priority.

  • Skubal is set to only make one start in the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A 29-year-old ace pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who is entering a contract year and has faced criticism for limiting his participation in the World Baseball Classic.

Detroit Tigers

The MLB team that Skubal plays for, which he is focused on helping win a World Series championship.

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What they’re saying

“That's where my focus is, trying to win a World Series for the city of Detroit, the team that drafted me in 2018.”

— Tarik Skubal (USA Today)

“You can kind of see that a World Series is attainable with the additions that we've made. And that's all you can ask for, is to play on a team with World Series aspirations year in and year out. So it's going to be a ton of fun this year.”

— Tarik Skubal (USA Today)

What’s next

Skubal left the door open about potentially pitching again in the WBC, joking that other players have already been hoping he changes his mind.

The takeaway

Skubal's decision to limit his WBC participation highlights the difficult balance pitchers face between representing their country and prioritizing their team's championship aspirations, especially in a contract year. His focus on helping the Tigers win a World Series underscores the importance of long-term goals over short-term tournaments.