Tigers' Skubal won't make another WBC start

Reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner cites spring training plan and contract stakes

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will not pitch again in the World Baseball Classic, despite initially planning to make only one start. Skubal said he was surprised by how emotional pitching for Team USA made him, causing him to rethink his decision. The reigning two-time AL Cy Young Award winner is eligible for free agency after this season and is expected to secure a nine-figure contract, which factored into his choice.

Why it matters

Skubal's decision highlights the delicate balance players must strike between representing their country and prioritizing their professional obligations and long-term financial security. As a top MLB pitcher, Skubal's participation in the WBC was highly anticipated, but his commitment to his spring training regimen and upcoming contract negotiations ultimately took precedence.

The details

Skubal gave up a home run on his first pitch for the U.S. team on Saturday night 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, and his teammates before deciding not to make another WBC start, citing the original plan to only pitch once and the contract implications of potentially getting injured.

  • Skubal is eligible to become a free agent after the 2023 season.
  • Skubal made one start for the U.S. team on Saturday, March 11, 2023.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A Detroit Tigers pitcher and reigning two-time AL Cy Young Award winner.

A.J. Hinch

The manager of the Detroit Tigers.

Scott Boras

Skubal's agent.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic.

Nate Eaton

A player for Britain's team in the World Baseball Classic who hit a home run off Skubal.

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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 (cbsnews.com)

“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, Manager, U.S. World Baseball Classic team (cbsnews.com)

“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 (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Skubal said he will 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 must make when balancing national team commitments with their professional obligations and long-term financial security. His emotional attachment to pitching for Team USA was ultimately outweighed by the need to remain on his spring training schedule and avoid any potential injury risks ahead of a pivotal contract year.