Tigers' Tarik Skubal 'Over WBC Stuff,' Ready for Opening Day

Detroit's ace sets the tone as the Tigers look to finish what they started this season.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:05pm

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Detroit Tigers star pitcher Tarik Skubal is putting the World Baseball Classic (WBC) behind him and focusing on the upcoming MLB season. After a dominant 2024 and 2025 campaign where he won back-to-back American League Cy Young awards, Skubal is locked in and ready to lead the Tigers into the new year. The team is looking to build on last season's Wild Card berth and make a deeper playoff run.

Why it matters

Skubal's mindset and performance will be crucial for the Tigers as they chase a World Series title. As one of the game's elite pitchers, his ability to set the tone and standard for the team will be vital. The Tigers came close last year, and with Skubal leading the way, they hope to finish what they started.

The details

Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, is coming off a dominant 2025 season where he posted a 2.21 ERA across 195.1 innings with 241 strikeouts. He is now one of the highest-paid pitchers in baseball after winning a $32 million arbitration case. The Tigers narrowly missed the playoffs in 2022 after a post-All-Star break collapse, but rebounded to earn a Wild Card spot before being eliminated in the ALDS. Skubal is determined to help the team take the next step and deliver a World Series championship.

  • Skubal made his final spring training appearance on March 21, 2026.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A two-time American League Cy Young award winner and the ace of the Detroit Tigers' pitching staff.

Detroit Tigers

A Major League Baseball team based in Detroit, Michigan, who are looking to build on last season's Wild Card berth and make a deeper playoff run.

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What they’re saying

“The WBC stuff, it's over. I'm ready to play baseball for the Detroit Tigers and try to win a World Series this year.”

— Tarik Skubal

What’s next

Skubal is set to take the mound for the Tigers on Opening Day as the team looks to get off to a strong start and make a deep playoff push.

The takeaway

Tarik Skubal's laser-sharp focus and determination to lead the Tigers to a World Series championship sets the tone for the team as they embark on a new season with high expectations. His dominant pitching and veteran presence will be crucial in helping the Tigers finish what they started last year.