Tarik Skubal to Make One Start for Team USA in World Baseball Classic
Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will make a single start for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic before returning to spring training with the Tigers. The two-time All-Star and recent Cy Young Award winner aims to balance his commitment to the national team with preparing for the upcoming MLB season.
Balancing International Play with Spring Training
Skubal, who secured a $32 million salary for the 2026 season after winning his arbitration hearing according to the Associated Press, is prioritizing a normal spring training regimen. He intends to maintain his regular workload and preparation for the Tigers’ season opener on March 26 against the San Diego Padres.
“The whole point of me doing the WBC was to make sure that I could stay on a normal workload of a spring training regimen and be able to make a start for Team USA and then come back here and continue my normal routine to get ready for opening day,” Skubal said as reported by the AP.
Skubal’s Schedule
Skubal made his first Grapefruit League start on Monday, February 23, striking out four batters over two scoreless innings against the Minnesota Twins as noted by MLB.com. He is scheduled to pitch for the Tigers again on Sunday, March 1, against the Toronto Blue Jays. His start for Team USA is expected to occur late the following week during pool play in Houston.
Following his WBC appearance, Skubal will return to the Tigers’ spring training facility in Lakeland, Florida, to continue preparing for the season. He emphasized his intention to avoid any disruption to his regular spring training schedule.
“I’m not ramping up earlier than I demand to,” Skubal stated according to the Detroit Free Press. “I don’t want that narrative out there. I’m treating this as I’m going to Team USA, making a start, coming back to Lakeland and getting ready to go for opening day.”
Team USA and Potential Championship Run
While Skubal will only participate in one game during pool play, he expressed a willingness to potentially rejoin the team should they advance to the championship rounds. He indicated he would “lobby to just go watch and be with the guys” if Team USA reaches the finals the Detroit Free Press reported.
Skubal explained that his limited participation is a result of communication with Team USA officials, aiming for a balance between representing his country and ensuring he’s fully prepared for the Tigers’ season. “It’s kind of the best of both worlds,” he said as quoted by Sports Illustrated.
The World Baseball Classic will be held from March 5-17 in Tokyo, Houston, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Miami.