Baseball Today Tarik Skubal will only make one start for Team USA in the WBC
Feb 24, 2026
They debate Tarik Skubal choosing to make only one World Baseball Classic start and what that means for roster plans. They argue over players protecting contracts versus fan disappointment. They discuss Max Scherzer possibly landing with the Blue Jays and how he'd fit. They highlight rising prospect Connor Griffin and whether he should be promoted now.
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Skubal One Start Strategy
- Tarik Skubal plans to make a single WBC start for Team USA to protect his upcoming contract season and Tigers preparation.
- Skubal will start vs Great Britain, then return to Detroit, but may lobby to attend finals if Team USA advances.
Respect Players Protecting Contract Years
- Accept limited WBC availability from top pitchers when they're in contract years and teams need season prep.
- Trevor Plouffe says Skubal is safeguarding his walk-year value and the Tigers' chance to win, so one start is reasonable.
Leaving New York Carries Unique Tradeoffs
- Daryl Strawberry warned Pete Alonso may regret leaving the Mets, invoking personal experience leaving New York.
- Trevor Plouffe argues departures require two sides and Alonso didn't get a Mets offer he liked, so regret isn't guaranteed.