Pirates Paul Skenes to pitch for Team USA

For a short time I did outrank Paul Skenes in the Air Force, but I’d say he’s doing just fine now.

When Paul Skenes was growing up, his passion for baseball was second to his passion for his country. Even when it came time for college recruitment, Skenes passion to serve still shone through when coming to a decision.

“When I was coming through high school, the thing that I thought I was going to be doing right now was flying jets rather than playing in Major League Baseball stadiums against the best of the best,” Skenes said.

Skenes would end up committing to play at the Air Force Academy, where he played for two seasons while serving as a cadet, training to be an F-16 pilot. The 22-year old phenom now has the ultimate opportunity to realize both of his passions on a global stage, as he is going to be representing Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

News broke on MLB Network Tuesday that Skenes elected to pitch in the contest, as he said he couldn’t pass up on this opportunity.

“This is one thing as a fan of the game, watching the previous World Baseball Classics, that I was like, ‘If I ever get the chance to do this, I’m never saying no.’ So this is going to be the first one.”

Team USA won the tournament back in 2017, with Pirates’ veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen being a core part of the team. The last time the tournament took place, team USA narrowly lost in an all time classic matchup against team Japan. The contest famously ended with Mike Trout facing then teammate Shohei Ohtani, with the latter getting the better of “Captain America” with a series deciding strikeout.

Skenes stays connected to his love for his country and service members by working with the Gary Sinise Foundation, a charity designed to help and honor veterans, first responders, and their family members in times of need. Just as he did last season, Skenes has pledged to donate $100 dollars for every strikeout he records this year, with the goal of raising $100,000 dollars by season’s end.

“We want to help as many military and first responders, and their families, as possible, and it’s a good foundation to do it,” Skenes said. “The money is going towards a good cause. It’s helping as many people out. And Gary’s my type of person, from what I’ve gathered. I like to think we’re similar in ways. I think it’s a good partnership.”

This season Skenes has largely picked up where he left off last year on the mound as well. So far the former Air Force Falcon has a 2.63 ERA with three wins and 53 strikeouts.

Full rosters have not yet been revealed, but Aaron Judge will be the captain of Team USA with hopes that Trout will return to avenge his 2023 loss. The team will compete in Pool B, with the first games taking place during early March in Houston.