Paul Skenes, one of baseball’s brightest young stars, has announced he will pitch for Team USA at the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander shared the news on Tuesday, giving the U.S. a major boost on the mound heading into next year’s tournament.
The 22-year-old has quickly emerged as one of MLB’s top arms. A former No. 1 overall pick, Skenes burst onto the scene in 2024, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors, starting the All-Star Game, and finishing third in NL Cy Young voting. Through two seasons, he’s posted a 2.16 ERA over 187 ⅔ innings with 223 strikeouts and a WAR of 7.3 — all while playing for a struggling Pirates team.
Team USA fell short at the 2023 WBC, losing to Japan in the final. One major weakness in that tournament was a lack of elite starting pitching. Skenes’ inclusion directly addresses that issue, giving the U.S. a legitimate ace as they aim for a second WBC title.
Skenes brings more than just talent — his background is equally compelling. He began his college career at Air Force before transferring to LSU, where he became one of the most sought-after pitching prospects in recent memory. He initially planned to become a pilot before professional baseball changed his path.
Team USA manager Mark DeRosa, who also led the 2023 squad, welcomed the news with enthusiasm. Skenes is expected to be a cornerstone of the American rotation as pool play begins in March 2026.
The U.S. roster is already shaping up to be a strong one. New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has committed to playing in his first WBC and will serve as team captain, mirroring his leadership role in New York.
With Skenes on board, Team USA’s hopes of capturing a second title — and joining Japan as the only nation with multiple WBC championships — look much stronger.
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