So, you're looking for the big lefty. We all are. After back-to-back Cy Young awards, Tarik Skubal isn't just a pitcher anymore; he's a genuine event. If you are checking the calendar to figure out when is skubal pitching next, the answer depends entirely on whether you’re looking for a relaxed Grapefruit League start or the high-stakes intensity of Opening Day.
Right now, we are sitting in the heart of the 2026 offseason, and the Detroit Tigers have a very specific roadmap for their ace.
The Short Answer: When Is Skubal Pitching Next?
The first time you will see Tarik Skubal on a mound in a Tigers uniform in 2026 will be during Spring Training in Lakeland, Florida. While the Tigers' official Grapefruit League schedule kicks off on Saturday, February 21, 2026, against the New York Yankees, don't expect the ace to start that one. Managers usually save their top-tier starters for the second or third game of the spring to let them ramp up slowly.
Most likely, Skubal's first live action will come between February 22 and February 25, 2026.
However, there is a massive caveat this year: The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Skubal has been named to the Team USA roster. This means his "next" start might actually be in a Red, White, and Blue jersey rather than Tigers script. Team USA is scheduled to play pool play in March, which will take him away from the Tigers' facility in Lakeland for a few weeks.
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Key Dates for Tarik Skubal’s 2026 Return
- February 14-15, 2026: Pitchers and catchers report to TigerTown.
- Late February 2026: First Grapefruit League appearance (likely 2-3 innings).
- March 2026: World Baseball Classic appearances for Team USA.
- Thursday, March 26, 2026: Opening Day vs. San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
The Opening Day Lock
Barring a catastrophic injury or a shocking trade, Skubal is the definitive starter for Opening Day on March 26, 2026. The Tigers are traveling to San Diego to face the Padres. It’s going to be a heavyweight fight.
Usually, the "when is skubal pitching next" question follows a predictable five-day pattern once the season starts. If he starts March 26, his following starts would tentatively look like this:
- March 31, 2026: @ Arizona Diamondbacks
- April 5, 2026: vs. St. Louis Cardinals (Home Opener at Comerica Park)
- April 10, 2026: vs. Miami Marlins
The Elephant in the Room: The $13 Million Arbitration Gap
Honestly, it’s a bit tense in Detroit right now. While we’re all focused on his next curveball, the front office is focused on his paycheck. As of mid-January 2026, Skubal and the Tigers are headed for a historic arbitration hearing.
Skubal is asking for $32 million for the 2026 season. The Tigers filed at $19 million.
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That $13 million gap is the largest in MLB history. It’s awkward. The Tigers have to go into a room and argue why the best pitcher in baseball is worth significantly less than he’s asking for. This hearing is scheduled to happen between January 26 and February 13, 2026.
Why does this matter for his pitching schedule? Because some experts, like Jeff Passan and Mark Feinsand, have suggested that if this relationship sours further, a trade becomes more likely. If Skubal is traded before February, his "next" start won't even be for Detroit.
How the Tigers Rotation Shapes Up
If you're tracking Skubal, you're likely tracking the whole staff. The 2026 Tigers rotation actually looks pretty deep, which helps protect Skubal from having to carry the entire load.
- Tarik Skubal: The undisputed #1.
- Jack Flaherty: Looking to bounce back after a shaky 4.64 ERA in 2025.
- Casey Mize: Coming off his first All-Star nod and finally looking healthy.
- Reese Olson: The young arm with the nasty slider.
- Troy Melton / Michael King: Depending on how the rest of the offseason trades shake out.
The Tigers are currently ranked by FanGraphs as having the 3rd-best pitching depth in the league. That’s a massive jump from where they were a few years ago. Having Skubal at the top is the anchor, but guys like Mize and Olson have developed into legitimate middle-of-the-rotation threats.
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Watching Skubal in 2026: What to Expect
What makes Skubal's "next" start so must-watch? It's the efficiency. In 2025, he posted a 2.21 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP. That is video game stuff.
He isn't just throwing hard; he’s pitching with a level of "permanence" that few Tigers aces have had since Justin Verlander. He’s leading the league in strikeout-to-walk ratio, and he’s doing it while eating innings.
If you're planning a trip to Comerica Park to see him, the April 5 home opener is your best bet. Even if the rotation shifts by a day or two due to weather in San Diego or Arizona, the Tigers almost always manipulate their off-days to ensure their ace pitches the first game in front of the home crowd.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to be there for the next time Tarik Skubal takes the mound, here is what you should do:
- Check the Arbitration News: Follow the result of the hearing in early February. If they settle on a number, it's a green light for him to remain the face of the franchise.
- Monitor Team USA: If you can't wait for April, look for the WBC schedule in March. Skubal will likely be pitching in high-leverage games for the national team.
- Buy Home Opener Tickets Early: The April 5th game against the Cardinals will sell out specifically because people want to see Skubal receive his 2025 Cy Young award on the field before the game.
- Download a Rotation Tracker: Use apps like MLB At Bat to see "Probable Pitchers." During the regular season, these are usually confirmed 3-4 days in advance.
Skubal is at the peak of his powers. Whether he's wearing a Tigers jersey or a Team USA one, his next start is going to be a masterclass in modern pitching. Just make sure your calendar is marked for late February for the first taste of it.