Why Pirates’ Paul Skenes Decided To Join Team USA For World Baseball Classic

Before the Pittsburgh Pirates commence their 2026 season, Paul Skenes will return to the mound for the World Baseball Classic.

Earlier this year, Skenes committed to represent the United States in next year’s tournament. Skenes will look to pitch Team USA to its second championship since the World Baseball Classic launched in 2006.

MLB Network shared a conversation between Skenes and Team USA manager Mark DeRosa held during the All-Star break. Skenes, who started the Midsummer Classic for the second straight time, said he’s always wanted to participate in the WBC since watching the U.S. win in 2017.

“As a baseball fan, I remember thinking, if I ever get the opportunity to do this, I’m 1000 percent doing it,” Skenes said. “No questions asked.”

DeRosa recalled preparing a pitch to persuade Skenes, but the All-Star needed no convincing. Skenes, who played college baseball at the Air Force Academy before transferring to LSU, was prepared to jump at the opportunity if he received an invitation.

“I’d already thought about it, so it’s not like I’m not thinking about it. But it was like, the answer’s yes,” Skenes told DeRosa. “There’s no higher stage than the World Baseball Classic. Just representing America, playing with our nation’s best on that stage, is a no-brainer.”

Skenes is a monumental get for Team USA, which didn’t receive the same buy-in from any aces three years ago. With most top hurlers focused on ramping up for the upcoming season and avoiding an injury, DeRosa deployed an unspectacular starting rotation of veterans Lance Lynn, Adam Wainwright, Merrill Kelly and Nick Martinez. The team’s most prominent starter, Clayton Kershaw, bowed out shortly before the tournament began.

Team USA is shaping up to boast a stacked roster for next year’s World Baseball Classic. Aaron Judge, Cal Raleigh and Bobby Witt Jr. have also committed to playing next March.

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