Tarik Skubal’s decision to only pitch in one game with Team USA at the World Baseball Classic makes sense from a logical standpoint. The Detroit Tigers southpaw is entering a contract year and is expected to become MLB‘s highest-paid pitcher in free agency next offseason. Despite that fact, Skubal’s approach to the WBC has received no shortage of backlash from fans. Many fans have questioned why he couldn’t make one more start in the tournament. Justin Verlander — who agreed to a reunion with the Tigers this past offseason — shared his thoughts on the situation during a recent appearance on Foul Territory.
“What this guy’s risking to go and do that, like we know that it’s a lot of stress on the body. We know it’s not easy to go and do that,” Verlander said. “Everybody that doesn’t play the game, I don’t think they really understand that, like, the level of competition, your body’s just not quite ready for it. And you get used to this build-up routine, you get used to, okay, spring training game… For him to step in pretty quickly into that intense of an atmosphere is a big ask.
“So I think it was very admirable for him to go and do it. I think anybody in the world can understand what’s staring him right in the face as the best pitcher on the planet right now, and coming into free agency. I think it showed how much he cared that he was willing to do it.”
Tarik Skubal’s WBC Decision
Some have wondered why Skubal simply couldn’t have pitched in one more WBC game. He has made a start at spring training since returning to the Tigers. In that outing, the left-hander turned in four and two/thirds innings of one-run baseball while striking out seven hitters.
The reality of the situation is that there is less pressure and stress in a spring training contest as opposed to the World Baseball Classic. The fact that Skubal was willing to even participate at all in the tournament this year given his specific situation is “admirable” as Verlander mentioned.
The frustration from some fans is understandable, as they want the best pitcher in the sport to lead Team USA. Nevertheless, Skubal’s decision is also understandable. He doesn’t have to risk his future for the tournament. And in the end, it was his choice to make regardless of the popularity of the decision.
Related: Tigers’ Tarik Skubal Leaves Spring Training for World Baseball Classic
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
