Tarik Skubal will make just one World Baseball Classic start, likely in pool play — a sign for bettors to avoid relying on him for late-tournament pitching and to favor Team USA in early games but not futures assuming his return. His limited WBC workload also lowers early-season injury risk, supporting wagers on his MLB season totals (innings/strikeouts) and his role in the Tigers' rotation.
Skubal to Make Single WBC Start, Prioritizes Tigers' Season
Tarik Skubal, the two-time defending American League Cy Young winner, confirmed he will make just one start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic as he balances national duty with preparing for the Detroit Tigers' regular season. Skubal said he wants to "try to do both things" — pitch for Team USA while getting ready with the Tigers for MLB Opening Day.
Likely Pool-Play Appearance in Houston
Skubal indicated his lone start will come during pool play at Daikin Park in Houston, where the U.S. faces Brazil (March 6), Great Britain (March 7), Mexico (March 9) and Italy (March 10). He added that if Team USA reaches the March 17 finals in Miami, he would try to rejoin the club as a spectator rather than as an active pitching option.
Team USA Rotation and Depth
Team USA's spring roster still boasts top arms including Paul Skenes, Joe Ryan, Matthew Boyd, Logan Webb, Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean. With that depth, Skubal's decision to limit his WBC workload is manageable for the national team while preserving his availability for the MLB season.
What This Means for Bettors
Skubal's single WBC start has clear betting implications. Punters should expect him to influence only early pool games, not later knockout rounds, so avoid futures and prop bets that hinge on him appearing in late WBC games. Conversely, reduced international workload lowers short-term injury risk, which could make season-long wagers on his innings, strikeout totals or rotation stability more attractive.
2025 Performance and Contract Context
Skubal will earn $32 million this season after an arbitration win. He posted a 13-6 record in 2025 with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts over 195 1/3 innings as the Tigers returned to the postseason for a second straight year.
Looking Ahead to Opening Day
Skubal and the Tigers turn their attention to the regular season opener at home against the San Diego Padres on March 26. His limited WBC commitment suggests Detroit expects him primed for that start, keeping him central to the club's early-season pitching plans.
Two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal of the Tigers said that he'll make just one start for the United States in the World Baseball Classic.
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