USA’s Tarik Skubal Fires Back at Critics After Getting Slammed for Leaving WBC Camp

On Monday, Tarik Skubal left the USA WBC camp after making one start against Great Britain, just like he previously stated.

USA’s Tarik Skubal Fires Back at Critics After Getting Slammed for Leaving WBC Camp

Tarik Skubal (Image via X/@JustBB_Media)

In the past few days, Tarik Skubal has faced huge backlash over his decision to leave the World Baseball Classic (WBC) camp of the USA and return to the Detroit Tigers. On Wednesday, the pitcher fired back at the critics who have been questioning him.

Skubal was one of the high-profile names on the Team USA roster. He made his WBC debut last week when the Americans took on Great Britain in their second Pool B game.

The southpaw did not have the best of starts as he gave up a home run on the very first pitch. Boston Red Sox’s utility man, Nate Eaton, would crush a lead-off home run to give Britain an early lead.

Despite this early blow, the USA and Skubal emerged as comfortable 9-1 winners. The 29-year-old threw 41 pitches in 3 innings and 5 strikeouts.

Skubal was done after this. Earlier in the Spring Training, the Tigers’ star expressed that he would make only 1 start at the tournament. As per reports from MLB.com, this was a condition set by him to appear in this event.

After his start against Great Britain, there were reports that he was thinking about changing his decision. However, he would later stick to this and return to the Tigers’ Spring Training camp.

Fans on social media were not happy with this action from Skubal. Many attacked him and called him out. Some would wildly question his patriotism.

On Wednesday, the 2-time Cy Young Award winner would address this backlash. As per Jayson Stark of The Athletic, the American international claimed that the comments he was receiving were “not fair.”

It’s just not fair. But that’s part of the business. It’s part of the game. If they know me, though, and they know me on a personal level, and they know what my peers think of me, I don’t think it’s fair to say those things.

Tarik Skubal said via Jayson Stark

After his departure, Team USA found themselves in a bit of trouble. A shocking 8-6 defeat against Italy put them in danger of missing the knockout stages.

However, Italy’s 9-1 win over Mexico spared their blushes. A historic three-homer game from Vinnie Pasquantino ensured top spot for Team Italy, while USA finished as runners-up in Pool B.

Tarik Skubal expressed that he hated leaving Team USA after just one start

Despite being fascinated by the atmosphere of the World Baseball Classic, Tarik Skubal stuck with his decision and left the Team USA camp after his start against Great Britain. The pitcher later admitted that he hated doing this.

Tarik Skubal
Tarik Skubal (Image via X/@TalkinBaseball_)

Following his start on Saturday, Skubal would contemplate his decision. In the end, he decided to stick with his original plan and return to the Spring Training camp of the Detroit Tigers and start preparing for the 2026 MLB season.

Speaking with the reporters on Monday, the 2-time All-Star expressed that he tried to make it work but was unable to do it. He, however, claimed that he would be first to sign for the Olympics in 2028 and the next WBC.

Tried to make it work, but just couldn’t. I hate it, but it’s all right. I’ll be the first to sign up for the 28 Olympics or whenever the next WBC is, I’ll be the first to sign up for that one, too.

Tarik Skubal told the reporters

Before the Spring Training and the WBC, Skubal achieved a major win. He would win the arbitration hearing against the Tigers.

The 2024 Triple Crown winner had asked for a $32 million salary. The AL Central side would counter this with a $19 million offer. A three-panel arbitration hearing would rule in his favor, making this the biggest win in arbitration history.

In the upcoming season, he will also enter the final year of team control. With his next contract likely to be around in the region of $400 million, the player wanted to stay healthy and avoid injuries at the WBC.

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