“Just hand us our trophies already”

Two-time consecutive American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal was announced among the latest batch of pitchers joining Team USA’s roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He joins 2025 National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, who was the first pitcher named back in June.

Skenes made his availability known back in May after New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge was named as the team captain. Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. and Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh were also added to the roster.

On Thursday, general manager Michael Hill and manager Mark DeRosa unveiled Skubal alongside starter Logan Webb and relievers Mason Miller and David Bednar as their latest recruits for the showcase international tournament.

Fans on social media were pumped up about Skubal’s addition as they took to the Instagram comments section to react to the news.

“Just hand us our trophies already bro,” a fan said.

“Finally USA is taking the WBC as the REAL World Series!” a fan exclaimed.

“The Best Pitchers in the game on Team USA,” a fan stated.

“2 guaranteed wins already,” a fan claimed.

“About time our best arms show up. Love to see it,” a fan commented.

“Imagine making into the fnals and facing Skenes and Skubal,” a fan added.

Hill and DeRosa are leaving no stones unturned to pack the USA roster after a disappointing 2nd place finish in the last edition. That team boasted of superstars like Mookie Betts and Mike Trout, but certainly didn’t have two Cy Young pitchers at the top of their rotation.

After losing to Team Mexico in the group stage, they reached the final, where they were beaten 3-2 by Team Japan, led by Shohei Ohtani. Their 2026 campaign starts on March 6, against Team Brazil. Team Great Britain, Team Italy and Team Mexico make up rest of the group, with all games set to be played at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros.

Tarik Skubal shares minimalist reaction to being named to Team USA roster

Tarik Skubal took to X to announce his addition to Team USA by tweeting the US flag emoji on Thursday.

Skubal has arguably been the best pitcher in the league in the last two seasons. With a 31-10 record with an ERA of 2.30 and 469 strikeouts in 62 appearances, he has almost single-handedly brought the Detroit Tigers back into contention, making two American League Division Series appearances.