PHOENIX — One of baseball’s premier arms is joining the World Baseball Classic.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Aug 8, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels in the fourth inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Back-to-back American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, a Kingman native, has committed to pitch for Team USA, adding another elite weapon to an already star-filled roster.
Skubal joins a group that includes Paul Skenes (National League Cy Young Award Winner), Aaron Judge, Kyle Schwarber and Arizona Diamondbacks own Corbin Carroll, further strengthening the United States’ chances in the international tournament. The reigning Cy Young winner is expected to play a significant role on the pitching staff.
Aug 25, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the first inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
One of the most dominant pitchers in MLB in recent seasons, Skubal posted a 2.21 ERA, 241 strikeouts and a 0.89 WHIP over 195.1 innings in 2025. The left-hander’s performance earned him his second consecutive Cy Young Award and solidified his reputation as a pitcher who thrives in high-pressure situations.
With Skubal’s commitment, Team USA now projects to feature two Cy Young winners at the top of its rotation. While the group figures out how to use the pitchers due to pitch and inning limitations set by their respective MLB clubs, the pairing gives the U.S. one of the best one-two punches in the tournament.
Oct 10, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; (Editors note: Alternate crop) Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning during game five of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The World Baseball Classic has continued to grow in popularity, particularly after Japan defeated Team USA to win the title in 2023. Anticipation for the upcoming edition has been building and the addition of top-tier talent has only made fans more excited to tune in.
For fans in Arizona, Skubal’s selection carries the opportunity to see a hometown product represent the United States on one of baseball’s biggest international stages.
Team USA adds the back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner to its rotation 😯
Tarik Skubal is IN for the #WorldBaseballClassic! pic.twitter.com/ALh64aqH74
— MLB (@MLB) December 18, 2025
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Diamondbacks emerge in Alex Bregman rumors, but insiders call it a long shot
