Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes will pitch for Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the team announced Tuesday. This will bolster a pitching staff that has been a point of concern. The 22-year-old right-hander, a three-time USA Baseball alum, brings elite velocity and a proven track record to the roster. Skenes spent two years at the Air Force Academy and expressed pride in representing his country. “I’d like to return to the military after my playing career, so this is special,” he told USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Paul Skenes will represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic
pic.twitter.com/10zEI5Hl0R
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 13, 2025
Paul Skenes to Play for Team USA in World Baseball Classic
Star Power on the Mound
Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, and the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year, has dazzled in his second season. Through six starts in 2025, he boasts a 2.39 ERA, 44 strikeouts, and a 3-2 record, per MLB.com. His fastball, consistently nearing 100 mph, and devastating “splinker” overwhelmed the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 25. He struck out nine over 6 ⅓ scoreless innings in this contest.
Paul Skenes will be lining up for Team USA. He’s the biggest star pitcher with the nastiest stuff to ever line up for the team at the World Baseball Classic. @USABaseball is not playing around next year.
— Michael Clair (@michaelsclair) May 13, 2025
Team USA, managed by Mark DeRosa, is looking to reclaim the WBC title after a 3-2 loss to Japan in the 2023 final, where Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout to seal the victory. The U.S. won gold in 2017 under Jim Leyland but struggled with pitching depth in 2023, relying on veterans like Merrill Kelly and Adam Wainwright. Skenes’ addition addresses that weakness, with DeRosa noting pitching remains a priority due to the tournament’s early March timing, when starters are not yet at a full workload.
Filling Out the Roster
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge, named Team USA captain, is the only other confirmed roster member, per SNJ Today. However, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout has expressed strong interest, telling The Economic Times he expects to play to address “unfinished business.” Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet and Mets slugger Pete Alonso have also voiced enthusiasm, per Sports Illustrated. DeRosa hinted at “multiple lineups” of position player talent but stressed securing top pitchers like Tarik Skubal or Zack Wheeler remains a challenge, per The Athletic.
The 2026 WBC runs March 6-22, with Team USA in Group B alongside Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico at Houston’s Daikin Park. Fans await further roster announcements as Team USA builds a squad to chase gold.
Photo Credit: © Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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