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Paul Skenes Commits to Pitch for Team USA in 2026 World Baseball Classic

The reigning NL Rookie of the Year will anchor the rotation as Team USA aims to reclaim gold under manager Mark DeRosa and captain Aaron Judge.

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 1: Max Fried #54 of the New York Yankees looks on in the dugout in the third inning during a spring training game against the Houston Astros at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 1, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
He may look a little odd in a jersey other than the Pittsburgh Pirates', but get used to it. Paul Skenes will be pitching for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
May 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' ace and 2024 NL Rookie of the Year, announced his commitment to pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
  • Team USA, managed by Mark DeRosa and captained by Aaron Judge, will begin pool play in Houston from March 6–11, 2026.
  • This marks a significant milestone for USA Baseball, as securing elite starting pitchers for the WBC has historically been a challenge due to injury concerns and scheduling conflicts.
  • Skenes, a former Air Force Academy student and LSU standout, has quickly become one of MLB's top pitchers, boasting a 14-7 career record with a 2.16 ERA and 7.3 WAR over 32 starts.
  • Team USA seeks to rebound from its 2023 runner-up finish to Japan and secure its second WBC championship, having last won the title in 2017.