****
On Monday, Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers’ star pitcher and two-time reigning American League Cy Young Award recipient, declared his intention to pitch only once for the United States in the World Baseball Classic.
“I’m endeavoring to balance two objectives – playing for Team USA, but I also recognize the imperative to be here with these guys [Tigers] and prepare for the upcoming season,” Skubal informed journalists at spring training in Florida. He added, “I believe it represents an optimal compromise in that regard, and I’m appreciative they accommodated my request.”
Skubal indicated that his single appearance would occur during the group stage, which commences for the U.S. squad at Daikin Park in Houston, featuring matchups against Brazil (March 6), Great Britain (March 7), Mexico (March 9), and Italy (March 10).
Should the U.S. progress to the WBC championship game on March 17 in Miami, Skubal informed the press that he would advocate to reunite with the team – albeit solely as an observer.
“Should they reach the championship round, I believe I’m going to attempt to advocate for attending merely to watch and be with my teammates,” Skubal conveyed to journalists.
Additionally, Team USA’s lineup features mound specialists such as Paul Skenes, Joe Ryan, Matthew Boyd, Logan Webb, Clay Holmes, and Nolan McLean.
Having prevailed in his salary arbitration, Skubal is slated to receive $32 million this season. In 2025, he compiled a 13-6 record, recording a 2.21 ERA and tallying 241 punchouts over 195⅓ innings. This performance contributed to the Tigers qualifying for the playoffs for the second successive year.
The Tigers are scheduled to commence their regular season campaign facing the San Diego Padres on March 26.
****