Tarik Skubal Leaves Team USA, Returns to Tigers Camp

Cy Young winner cites mixed feelings after successful WBC start

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, the 2025 Cy Young Award winner, will be leaving Team USA's World Baseball Classic roster after making just one start against Great Britain. Skubal had initially planned to return to the Tigers' spring training camp after his first WBC outing, but expressed second thoughts about departing the star-studded Team USA roster.

Why it matters

Skubal's decision to leave Team USA highlights the difficult balance players face between representing their country and prioritizing their professional careers, especially with a potentially record-breaking free agent contract on the horizon. His departure also impacts Team USA's pitching depth as they aim to advance in the tournament.

The details

Skubal threw his scheduled pitch count in Team USA's 9-1 win over Great Britain, but then seemed reluctant to leave the talented roster. However, he ultimately decided to stick with his original plan to return to the Tigers, citing his upcoming free agency and the risk of injury. Skubal is set to become one of the highest-paid pitchers in MLB history this offseason, with his arbitration award already setting a new record.

  • Skubal made his lone Team USA start on March 9, 2026.
  • Skubal is expected to return to Tigers spring training camp.

The players

Tarik Skubal

A 29-year-old starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who won the 2025 American League Cy Young Award.

Mark DeRosa

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

Paul Skenes

A Cy Young Award winner who is also on the star-studded Team USA roster.

Aaron Judge

The captain of the United States national baseball team.

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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 pretty committed to making a start and getting back to camp.”

— Tarik Skubal (ESPN)

“When you get into these environments, when you get this team, it's hard to walk away from that.”

— Tarik Skubal (ESPN)

“He's got the two Cy Young awards, but this guy's about to make half a billion dollars her in the next offseason. So, for him to put it all on the line for his country and come out here and show up for us... You know, maybe it is just one game, but you know there's a risk with everything you do, and for him to take that risk and come out here and be with us, the boys love it.”

— Aaron Judge, Team USA Captain (USA TODAY)

What’s next

Skubal is expected to return to the Detroit Tigers' spring training camp to prepare for the upcoming MLB season.

The takeaway

Skubal's decision to leave Team USA after just one start, despite his clear enjoyment of the experience, highlights the difficult choices top professional athletes face when balancing national team commitments with their lucrative club contracts, especially in a contract year.