Tarik Skubal’s successful debut for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic has the Tigers ace reconsidering his original plan to make only one start in the tournament.
The two-time Cy Young award winner admitted he might stick with the American squad for another turn after working three strong innings in a 9-1 victory Saturday night in Houston over Great Britain.
“When you get into these environments, when you get this team, it’s hard to walk away from that,” Skubal said after the U.S. improved to 2-0 in Pool B. “I didn’t expect these types of emotions to run through my brain or my thoughts to differ. I was pretty committed to making a start and getting back to camp.
“Things have changed, obviously, that’s why I’m going to have some conversations to try and figure out a plan for me. But yeah, I don’t know either way.”
The 29-year-old lefty is headed for a massive payday in free agency after the 2026 season. Skubal added that he will discuss staying with Team USA with the Tigers, his family and his agent, Scott Boras, before disclosing his plan in the coming days, calling it “one of the tougher decisions I’ve made in my career.”
Skubal was jumped for a leadoff home run by Great Britain’s Nate Eaton in Saturday’s first inning, but it was the lone run he allowed through three frames with five strikeouts.
“It just changes your perspective a little bit, you know?” the California native said. “And how proud I am to be an American and go out there and pitch and compete. (I’m thinking about) the people that make real sacrifices for me to play a kid’s game. So we’ll see.”
Skubal added that Team USA — which is captained by Yankees star Aaron Judge — has been “extremely supportive” of his “unique” situation.
“They totally get what’s going on…It’s unique,” he said. “I’ve had these discussions with people, and most of it is they are extremely supportive of me being here in the first place. And I’ve got a ton of respect for that.”
The Americans have Sunday off before resuming the group stage with a game Monday against Mexico (1-0), with Pirates ace Paul Skenes on the mound.
