Skubal will depart from the U.S. team and return to the Detroit Tigers spring training facility.

Tarik Skubal will ultimately not pitch for the U.S. team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic anymore. This two-time Cy Young Award-winning ace left-handed pitcher will return to the Tigers' spring training base in Lakeland, Florida, after the game between the U.S. and Mexico.

U.S. team manager Mark DeRosa and Skubal himself confirmed before the game that he will not make another appearance in this tournament.

However, Skubal stated that despite being unable to continue participating in the 2026 Classic, he still hopes to represent the U.S. team again in the future, whether in the next Classic or when baseball returns to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

“I've been trying to figure out a way, I promise,” Skubal said, “I love America, I love this country, I love everything about this event. If the 2028 Olympics need me, I'll sign up first.”

This time, Skubal will follow the original plan. From the start of the Classic, this Tigers ace, the two-time reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, intended only to make one start and then return to the Tigers to prepare for Opening Day.

Skubal made that start against Great Britain, pitching three innings to help the U.S. win. But the experience of playing for his country made his decision much harder than anticipated, and he struggled with it.

“I haven't slept much these past few days,” Skubal said, “I've been trying to figure it out. I was holding my phone, trying to fast-forward the calendar a few days or move Opening Day back. But I don't have that power.”

The experience of competing for his country in the Classic far exceeded his expectations. “It completely surpassed what I imagined. I never expected it,” Skubal said, “I never had 'USA' on my chest before. Being able to wear the Stars and Stripes, with pride… I loved it so much, I want to experience it again, and I plan to experience it again.”

“I thought it might be somewhat like an All-Star Game atmosphere. But it wasn't at all, completely different.”

After his start, Skubal had mentioned considering staying with the U.S. team to pitch another game, but needed to discuss it with the Tigers, his agent, and his family before deciding. “This will be one of the toughest decisions I've made in my career so far,” he said after the game against Great Britain.

Ultimately, he decided to return to the Tigers' spring training camp to focus on the 2026 season, which is his final season before becoming a free agent.

“We've discussed this scenario repeatedly throughout the season,” DeRosa said, “When he agreed to pitch against Great Britain, we always assumed he would leave after the group stage. I know things became a bit unclear later because pitching in a U.S. uniform and being with these guys is truly special. But he will depart after tonight and return to the Tigers' spring training camp in Lakeland.”

Skubal spent a day determining his course of action, but he didn't want to keep his U.S. and Tigers teammates waiting too long. “I just needed to make a decision for all parties involved,” Skubal said, “I didn't want to drag things out. I'm not here to create drama.”

Skubal could have potentially started for the U.S. team in a hypothetical World Series championship game. Now, if the U.S. team reaches that stage, that start would likely be given to Mets rookie Nolan McLean.

“I'll worry about every pitch he throws,” DeRosa said, “I know what he's facing. When he decided to come and pitch for us, I was already thrilled. Really, he took on the start for us. That meant a lot to many in the locker room. We know where his heart is. If he were in a different situation, he wouldn't leave.”

Attempting to bring Skubal back into the U.S. team's starting rotation for a championship game would disrupt his preparation schedule in Detroit, as he needs to ready himself for his Opening Day start and a crucial season in his career.

“If I were to pitch in the final, the way we'd have to approach it, I don't like the ending part,” Skubal said.

As one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball today, he is expected to sign a historic contract next year. But if he pitched in a Classic final, he would need to prepare for Opening Day on short rest, ramping up his pitch count faster than planned.

Skubal wanted to achieve both goals, but couldn't find a feasible way.

“A lot of risk, especially injury risk, that's my bottom line,” Skubal said, “It's inherently risky. Add the adrenaline surge and the high-pressure environment of the game, the workload would increase significantly, which is exactly what you want to avoid during the spring training adjustment period.”

“Just be smart. Obviously, I also understand the significance of this season. All factors played a role.”

Even now, he hasn't fully come to peace with this decision.

“I haven't yet,” Skubal said, “I think the only way I'll find peace is if we win the whole thing in Miami and celebrate there. That would give me some peace.”