Following a strong debut and initial second thoughts, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal has opted not to make a second start for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The back-to-back AL Cy Young winner will return to spring training after the U.S. game against Mexico.
Tarik Skubal's time with Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic has concluded after one impressive start against Great Britain in Pool B play at Daikin Park in Houston, as confirmed by U.S. manager Mark DeRosa and the pitcher himself ahead of Monday's matchup with Mexico.
Skubal's debut—where he allowed one run over three innings, striking out five—sparked unexpected emotions and brief consideration of extending his stay, but he has recommitted to his original preseason plan of a single outing before rejoining the Tigers in Lakeland, Florida, for MLB season prep. Entering a contract year ahead of 2026 free agency, Skubal cited injury risks from short rest and added workload as key factors. Last year, he went 13-6 with a 2.21 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 241 strikeouts in 195 1/3 innings, securing his second straight AL Cy Young.
"This is gonna be one of the tougher decisions I've made in my career so far," Skubal told MLB.com after his start. "I've been trying to make it work. I promise I have... A lot of that risk and injury stuff is where I drew the line." DeRosa lauded his effort: "I'm over the moon he decided to show in the first place for us."
Team USA, expected to advance from Pool B, has Logan Webb lined up for the quarterfinals, Paul Skenes for the semifinals, and Nolan McLean for a potential finals appearance. Skubal expressed intent to return for future events like the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics: "I'll be the first to sign up." Still, he admitted mixed feelings: "I'm still not [at peace]. I think the only way I'll be at peace with it is in Miami celebrating after we win the whole [freaking] thing."
