Tarik Skubal Reconsidering WBC Pitching Plans

Detroit Tigers pitcher may make additional start for Team USA after initial one-game commitment

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal is having second thoughts about his initial plan to make just one start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. After his strong outing against Great Britain, Skubal is now considering rejoining the USA team later in the tournament to make an additional start, despite concerns from his agent about injury risk ahead of the upcoming MLB season.

Why it matters

Skubal's decision could have major implications for both Team USA's pitching rotation and his own preparation for the Tigers' 2023 season. As a top free agent-to-be, Skubal's health and performance in the WBC will be closely watched by MLB teams.

The details

Skubal was originally slated to make just one start for Team USA against Great Britain, but after that outing he said he will "make a decision here in the next couple days" about potentially rejoining the team later in the tournament. Skubal struck out five and allowed one run over three innings in his first WBC appearance. While his agent Scott Boras will likely discourage him from making another start due to injury risk, Skubal says the decision is ultimately his own.

  • Skubal made his first WBC start against Great Britain on March 8, 2026.
  • Skubal is expected to make a decision on rejoining Team USA in the next couple days.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who is considering making an additional start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic despite concerns from his agent about injury risk ahead of the upcoming MLB season.

Scott Boras

Skubal's agent, who will likely discourage him from making another WBC start due to the potential for injury.

Bryce Harper

A first baseman for Team USA who has been supportive of Skubal's decision, saying he should do "what's best for himself and his career."

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What they’re saying

“This is gonna be one of the tougher decisions I've made in my career so far. ... It just changes your perspective a little bit, you know? And how proud I am to be an American and go out there and pitch and compete, (thinking about) the people that make real sacrifices for me to play a kids' game. So we'll see.”

— Tarik Skubal (MLB.com)

“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, USA First Baseman (The Athletic)

What’s next

Skubal will make a decision in the next couple days about potentially rejoining Team USA to make an additional start later in the World Baseball Classic tournament.

The takeaway

Skubal's decision highlights the delicate balance players must strike between representing their country in international competition and prioritizing their own health and career goals ahead of the upcoming MLB season. His choice could have major implications for both Team USA and the Detroit Tigers.