HOUSTON — Tarik Skubal’s teammates refuse to pressure him.
The fans have openly shared their sentiments, but Skubal is undeterred.
Barring a dramatic change of plans, Skubal’s first and only appearance in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for Team USA will be Saturday evening against Great Britain at Daikin Park in Houston.
He then plans to return back to the team hotel, pack his suitcase, and fly to Florida on Sunday to be back with his Detroit Tigers teammates at spring training in Lakeland.
If USA advances to the semifinals in Miami, as expected, Skubal plans to pitch one spring-training game for the Tigers, and then join Team USA in Miami – but only to be their highest-paid and most decorated cheerleader.
“It’s only a three-hour drive,’ Skubal said, “I can do that.’
Certainly, Team USA officials would love Skubal to stay, and pitch in the semifinal or final, but that would require Skubal to alter his routine. He certainly isn’t going to pitch on short rest in the WBC, and he still needs to be ready for the Tigers’ season-opener March 26 at Petco Park in San Diego.
And, yes, he also has an astronomical payday waiting that will make him the richest starting pitcher in history, likely eclipsing $400 million – and perhaps close to $500 million.
Certainly, after just being with Team USA for a week of workouts and team bonding, Skubal concedes that he is smitten in his first WBC.
“These games are going to feel like playoff games or World Series games,’ Skubal said. “Those environments are what baseball is and that’s where baseball is kind of going. That’s why it is the best sport in the world because it is pretty international.
“When you look around at every pool, you look at all the different games going on around the world, those environments are always going to be pretty special. And that’s what makes the game of baseball so beautiful.’
The only real flaw of the WBC is the timing of the event. Players have been in camp for less than a month, and pitchers certainly aren’t ready to compete like it’s a postseason game.
“As far as the pitching standpoint,’ Skubal said, “timing is everything. If they can get the timing right to where it is not in a spring training ramp-up phase, I think that will reduce the risk of injuries for pitching, you know.’
That’s why why Skubal is leaving town, even though WBC fans have been openly critical about his one-and-done.
“The guys have been cool about it,’ Skubal said, “but I mean, obviously, like publicly, it’s a little bit different perception. But I think they understand what it means for me to be here. Obviously, I want to be in the room, you know, and that’s cool for them to even take that aside and be like, ‘it’s awesome that you’re here.”
Players like three-time MVP Aaron Judge, captain of Team USA, has effusively praised Skubal for being on the team, condemning those who are critical over his limited role.
“He’s got the two Cy Young awards, but this guy’s about to make half a billion dollars here in the next offseason,’’ Judge said. “So, for him to put it all on the line for his country, and come out here and show up for us. … You know, maybe it is just one game, but you know there’s a risk with everything you do, and for him to take that risk and come out here and be with us, the boys love it.’
Says Skubal: “I can’t wait to feel it. It’s the first time I’ve ever been able to wear the USA jersey, and it’s going to be special. My family and friends will get to enjoy that. It will be pretty special for everybody involved.’
He still plans to pitch in the next WBC and would love to be in the 2028 Olympics, too.
“I’d love to come here and just have a game where I have 100 pitches and be ready to go,’ Skubal says. “So hopefully the Olympics, they get that at the All-Star break, and they get it right. That way we can send out the best lineup and arms, and they can be at max, full-go. And they don’t have to worry about injuries.’
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