Tigers’ Tarik Skubal says he’ll make one start for U.S. in WBC
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, the two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, said Monday he will make just one start for the United States in the World Baseball Classic.
“I’m trying to do both things: try to pitch for Team USA, but I understand the need to be here with these guys. [Tigers] and get ready for the season,” Skubal told reporters during spring training in Florida. “I think it’s kind of the best of both worlds in that aspect, and I’m grateful that they accepted me in that capacity.”
Skubal hinted he would make his only start in the pool, which begins for Team USA at Daikin Park in Houston with matches against Brazil (March 6), Great Britain (March 7), Mexico (March 9) and Italy (March 10).
If the United States advances to the WBC finals on March 17 in Miami, Skubal told reporters he would push to join the team — but only as a spectator.
“If they go to the final, I think I’m going to try to push to just watch and be with the guys,” Skubal told reporters.
Team USA also has starting pitchers Paul Skenes, Joe Ryan, Matthew Boyd, Logan Webb, Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean on its roster.
Skubal, who will earn $32 million this season after winning his arbitration, went 13-6 in 2025 while posting a 2.21 ERA with 241 strikeouts in 195⅓ innings as the Tigers reached the playoffs for the second straight year.
The Tigers open the regular season against the San Diego Padres on March 26.
