The WBC is from March 5 to 17 in Houston, Miami, Tokyo and San Juan. The United States opens against Brazil on March 6 in Houston.
Spoon told reporters about his WBC plan after pitching in his first spring training on Monday. According to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, Skubal said that if the US makes it to the finals, he would lobby the Tigers to be with his American teammates.
The left-handed Detroit’s only start is on March 7 against Great Britain.
“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, referring to the Tigers.
Skubal is the ace of the American staff, which also includes reigning National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2025, Skubal led the American League in Wins Above Replacement with 6.5 and ERA (2.21) while going 13–6 and striking out 241 in a career-high 195.1 innings pitched.
Tarik Skubal is entering his free agent season
Skubal’s decision to throw just once in the WBC is understandable, even if it may be disappointing for fans.
Entering a free-agent year with the potential to become the highest-paid pitcher in Major League Baseball history, Skubal is understandably focused on long-term durability and value. This offseason he also set a record for arbitration salaries for a pitcher when the Tigers awarded him $32 million for the upcoming season.
Skubal is coming off a high-innings career and is entering his walking year. It appears Skubal plans to keep his workload in check in 2026 to reduce the risk of arm problems.
Several high-profile pitchers are already dealing with significant issues. Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander and 2021 Cy Young Award winner Corbin Burnes is not expected to return until after the All-Star break following Tommy John surgery, and Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach recently had bone spurs removed from his elbow.
The United States faces stiff competition during the tournament, especially from Japan and the Dominican Republic. Two-time Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani plays for defending champion Japan, while in the Dominican Republic, Blue Jays star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
The WBC was last played in 2023.
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