Tigers' Tarik Skubal May Stay With Team USA for More WBC Action

Skubal was initially set to make just one start for the U.S. squad but is now considering extending his tournament run.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Detroit Tigers star pitcher Tarik Skubal was initially planning to make just one start for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic, but after taking the mound and feeling the energy of the tournament, he is now looking into potentially making additional appearances for the U.S. squad. Skubal, a two-time AL Cy Young award winner, allowed one run over three innings in his first WBC outing against Great Britain and is open to staying longer to help Team USA's pitching efforts.

Why it matters

Keeping Skubal on the Team USA roster would be a major boost for the U.S. pitching staff, as he is one of the best pitchers in baseball. His potential extended participation in the WBC could impact the Tigers' Spring Training plans, but the opportunity to represent his country in a high-profile international tournament is clearly enticing to Skubal.

The details

In his first WBC start against Great Britain, Skubal threw 41 pitches over 3 innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 5. He initially planned to return to Tigers' Spring Training after that outing, but the experience has made him reconsider. Skubal said "I didn't expect these types of emotions to run through my brain or my thoughts to differ. I was committed to making a start and getting back to camp. Things have changed, obviously. I'm going to have some conversations and try to figure out a plan."

  • Skubal made his first WBC start on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Skubal is now considering extending his stay with Team USA beyond his initial one-start plan.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A left-handed pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who has won the past two American League Cy Young awards.

Team USA

The United States national baseball team competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't expect these types of emotions to run through my brain or my thoughts to differ. I was committed to making a start and getting back to camp. Things have changed, obviously. I'm going to have some conversations and try to figure out a plan.”

— Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers Pitcher

What’s next

Skubal will have discussions with Team USA and the Detroit Tigers to determine if he will make additional appearances in the World Baseball Classic beyond his initially planned one-start commitment.

The takeaway

Tarik Skubal's enthusiasm for representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic has him reconsidering his original plan, which could be a major boost for the U.S. pitching staff but may impact the Tigers' Spring Training preparations. This highlights how the WBC can captivate even the game's elite players and lead them to extend their tournament participation beyond initial expectations.