Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal has sparked controversy by revealing he will make just one start for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). Skubal, a key figure on the national roster, confirmed during Spring Training media sessions that his sole appearance will be against Great Britain in the pool stage, after which he plans to return to prepare for the MLB season with the Tigers.
Skubal explained his decision, saying,
“I’m making one start. The reason I didn’t announce it (earlier) was I wanted to keep the momentum on the WBC, but I’m just making one start and then I’ll stick around for a few games.”
His one start is scheduled for March 7 in the WBC matchup against Great Britain.
Skubal’s Recent Success and Context for Limited Participation
After an outstanding 2024 season crowned with a Cy Young Award, Skubal continued to excel throughout 2025. The left-hander posted a 13-6 record with a 2.21 ERA in the regular season and maintained a dominant 1.74 ERA during the postseason. Despite his efforts, the Detroit Tigers fell short of reaching the American League Championship Series, losing to the Seattle Mariners.
In Game 5 of the postseason, Skubal delivered an impressive six innings and struck out 13 batters. This performance helped him secure back-to-back Cy Young Awards, a feat not achieved since Jacob DeGrom won in both 2018 and 2019. His strong showing makes his limited commitment to the WBC surprising to some fans.
Social Media Responds Harshly to Skubal’s WBC Commitment
Skubal’s decision to play only one game for Team USA at the WBC received immediate criticism on social media. Several fans and commenters on X expressed displeasure, questioning his dedication to the national team and calling for him to stay home rather than take a roster spot.
what’s the point of even going then— Blake Snell Enjoyer (@SnellEnjoyer) February 23, 2026
What a loser. Judge could pitch that game and we’d still win. Stay home bro— Logan (@__ldl) February 23, 2026
Nah, this ain’t it. Stay home if you can’t compete 100%.Let someone else have that roster spot.— RNS 🇺🇸 (@RNS_USA) February 23, 2026
Way to show up for your country Skubs !!! Picks the easiest game on the schedule 🤡— ClarkeIsKing (@ClarkeisKing_) February 23, 2026
Wasting his start on Great Britain lmao. Really? Are we being punked?— Ian Enders 🐻🐎🏎️ (@IEnders13) February 23, 2026
Took a roster spot to play dress-up against the Brits, c’mon man. 🤦♂️— MEGA (@MegalodahnIV) February 24, 2026
Then why take up a roster spot? Give it to someone else that can commit themselves to the whole tournament.— Nick 33 (@nicklicious33) February 23, 2026
He clearly plays for the Skubs and Stripes. Jack Hughes would like a word.— Adam Steinmetz (@adamsteinmetz1) February 24, 2026
Genuinely a back to back Cy Young winner and worried about “being with the guys” 😒You get all season before and after to be with them, take them out to dinner or whatever bro this is so sad 😭— Neon (@NWolf56) February 23, 2026
That’s pointless & dumb. You’re either in or not. Stay home & focus on the tigers. @USABaseball, tell him thanks, but no thanks, & go with someone else.— Matthew (@15_mrh) February 24, 2026
The backlash reflects fans’ unease about a top player limiting his commitment in an international tournament that holds significant prestige for Team USA.
Skubal’s Arbitration Victory and Its Implications
Earlier this year, Tarik Skubal made headlines by setting a new Major League Baseball record following his arbitration case. The 2-time All-Star sought a salary of $32 million for the 2026 season, while the Detroit Tigers offered $19 million. A salary arbitration panel sided with Skubal, awarding him his requested salary, creating a $13 million gap between the sides.
BREAKING: Two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal won his arbitration case and will make $32 million this year, sources tell ESPN. Skubal’s bet to go for the largest salary ever in the arbitration system paid off, as he’ll make $13M more than Tigers argued.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 5, 2026
This landmark arbitration victory has occurred amid ongoing speculation about Skubal’s future with the Detroit Tigers. Despite trade rumors, Skubal has expressed his intent to remain with Detroit for the long term. The upcoming 2026 season marks his final year under team control.
Looking Ahead: Skubal’s Role in 2026 Season and WBC Impact
Skubal is scheduled to start Opening Day for the Tigers for the third consecutive year when they face the San Diego Padres on March 26. Leading up to this, he is expected to make regular starts every five to six days during Spring Training.
With his decision to limit WBC action to a single start, Skubal prioritizes season preparation over extended international play. This move has provoked debate about player commitment and roster fairness for Team USA, raising questions about how future tournaments might adapt to balance players’ MLB responsibilities with national team obligations.
Tarik Skubal is scheduled to face Great Britain on March 7th in the World Baseball Classic start that he says will be his only one, per @BNightengale pic.twitter.com/rar3LSlXGY
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) February 23, 2026
what’s the point of even going then
— Blake Snell Enjoyer (@SnellEnjoyer) February 23, 2026
What a loser. Judge could pitch that game and we’d still win. Stay home bro
— Logan (@__ldl) February 23, 2026
Nah, this ain’t it. Stay home if you can’t compete 100%.
Let someone else have that roster spot.— RNS 🇺🇸 (@RNS_USA) February 23, 2026
Skubal when he saw Brazils lineup pic.twitter.com/iGvITzcApu
— . (@mango_deuce) February 23, 2026
Way to show up for your country Skubs !!!
Picks the easiest game on the schedule 🤡
— ClarkeIsKing (@ClarkeisKing_) February 23, 2026
https://twitter.com/IEnders13/status/2026060379353194941
Took a roster spot to play dress-up against the Brits, c’mon man. 🤦♂️
— MEGA (@MegalodahnIV) February 24, 2026
Then why take up a roster spot? Give it to someone else that can commit themselves to the whole tournament.
— Nick 33 (@nicklicious33) February 23, 2026
He clearly plays for the Skubs and Stripes. Jack Hughes would like a word.
— Adam Steinmetz (@adamsteinmetz1) February 24, 2026
Genuinely a back to back Cy Young winner and worried about “being with the guys” 😒
You get all season before and after to be with them, take them out to dinner or whatever bro this is so sad 😭
— Azul (@NWolf56) February 23, 2026
That’s pointless & dumb. You’re either in or not. Stay home & focus on the tigers. @USABaseball, tell him thanks, but no thanks, & go with someone else.
— Matthew (@15_mrh) February 24, 2026
BREAKING: Two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal won his arbitration case and will make $32 million this year, sources tell ESPN. Skubal’s bet to go for the largest salary ever in the arbitration system paid off, as he’ll make $13M more than Tigers argued.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 5, 2026
