Tarik Skubal, Mason Miller join Team USA pitching staff

Field Level Media|published: Thu 18th December, 13:02 2025

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

All-Star pitchers Tarik Skubal and Mason Miller confirmed Thursday they are joining Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

They join a star-studded roster featuring team captain Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Cal Raleigh and Bobby Witt Jr., and managed by Mark DeRosa.

Skubal's addition means both 2025 Cy Young Award winners are aboard. Skenes won in the National League and Skubal claimed the American League trophy for the second straight season.

The 29-year-old left-hander finished 13-6 with a 2.21 ERA and 241 strikeouts for the Detroit Tigers in 2025, one year after winning the AL's pitching Triple Crown with 18 wins, a 2.39 ERA and 228 strikeouts.

Miller, 27, is the flame-throwing closer for the San Diego Padres.

The right-hander began the 2025 season with the Athletics and finished with 22 saves, a 2.63 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings. His fastball averaged 101.2 mph and he was the only pitcher in the majors to reach 104 mph.

The United States won the World Baseball Classic in 2017 but finished runner-up to Japan in 2023.

Team USA's first game of the 2026 competition is against Brazil in Pool B action on March 6 in Houston.

--Field Level Media

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