Tarik Skubal reveals surprising WBC role for Team…
Team USA’s one-two punch of Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal will probably be short-lived.
Skubal, the reigning back-to-back American League Cy Young winner, announced Monday that he plans to make just one start in the 2026 World Baseball Classic before returning to Tigers camp, according to The Athletic.
The 29-year-old’s lone look is anticipated to be an abbreviated start during pool play on March 7 against Great Britain.
Tarik Skubal will make just one start with Team USA. AP
“I’m trying to do both things, trying to pitch for Team USA but I understand the need to be here with these guys and get ready for the season,” Skubal said. “I think it’s kind of the best of both worlds in that aspect, and I’m grateful they took me in that capacity.”
Skubal added that he’ll push to rejoin the squad as a spectator ought to the workforce attain the event finals.
“If they go to the finals, I think I’m going to try and lobby to just go watch and be with the guys,” he added.
Skubal’s one-and-done plan dampens what was anticipated to be a dominant rotation fronted by him and Skenes, a fellow 2025 Cy Young winner.
Skubal told 97.1 The Ticket in February that he “bought in” on becoming a member of the roster after prolonged talks with agent Scott Boras, Tigers supervisor AJ Hinch and Skenes.
“It was pretty easy to convince me because I was already kind of bought-in on it, and he confirmed everything that I thought,” Skubal said. “I believe it’s great for the sport of baseball, too. Just from a fan perspective, when you get to watch one thing with that form of ambiance and electrical energy in March, I believe it’s going to deliver a lot of eyes onto our sport in April and May. I believe the sport of baseball’s in a actually great place, and I believe this actually helps elevate it.
“For me, I take a ton of pride in being able to wear the USA across the chest,” Skubal added. “It’s something I’ve never had the opportunity to do, and I take a ton of pride in the United States of America. It’s the best country in the world.”
Skubal, 29, has received the last two AL Cy Young awards. AP
The resolution comes just weeks after Skubal secured a record-breaking $32 million wage for 2026 in arbitration with the Tigers.
Detroit countered at $19 million, intensifying hypothesis that Skubal — slated for free company after the season — might be dealt.
In November, The Post’s Jon Heyman reported a staggering $250 million hole in extension talks between Skubal and the Tigers.
Over the past two seasons, Skubal has cemented himself as arguably the sport’s best pitcher, going 31-10 with a 2.30 ERA and 469 strikeouts in 387 ⅓ innings across 62 outings.
Despite dropping the arbitration case to Skubal, Detroit responded by opening the checkbook to bolster the beginning rotation.
The Tigers signed star left-hander Framber Valdez and reunited with franchise icon Justin Verlander.
With the Tigers anticipated to compete for the postseason and Skubal’s looming free company, Team USA will get a transient cameo instead of a full dedication.
Stay up to date with the latest trending topics! Visit our web site daily for the freshest Sports news and content, rigorously curated to keep you informed.
