MLB star goes from Rookie of the Year to national icon

In an era when injury fears mean elite pitchers are scarce in international tournaments, the United States has found its ace in Paul Skenes for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The 22-year-old right-hander from the Pittsburgh Pirates has confirmed his intention to play for Team USA at next year’s event, joining captain Aaron Judge on a mission to reclaim the throne lost to Japan in 2023.

Speaking on MLB Network on Tuesday, Skenes declared: “As a fan of the game, watching the previous World Baseball Classics, I was like, if I ever get the chance to do this, I’m never saying no.”

Skenes makes MLB mark amid meteoric rise

Skenes is not just a promising talent; he has already made a significant impact in Major League Baseball since his debut in May 2024. In his rookie season, he posted a 1.96 ERA, the lowest for a debutant with at least 20 starts in the live-ball era, and set a franchise record with 170 strikeouts.

These achievements earned him the National League Rookie of the Year award and a third-place finish in the Cy Young voting.

Skenes’ career has transcended the diamond. Recently, a unique trading card featuring his autograph and a patch from his debut sold for $1.11 million, surpassing his 2025 base salary of $875,000. This reflects Skenes’ magnetism, comparable to that of Judge or Shohei Ohtani.

Skenes’ journey is remarkable. He began his career at the Air Force Academy, excelling as both a catcher and pitcher, and winning the John Olerud Award in 2022. His transfer to LSU in 2023 catapulted him to stardom, as he led the Tigers to a national title and earned the Dick Howser Trophy as the nation’s best college player.

The Californian’s meteoric rise continued in the minors, leading him to debut in the MLB less than a year after being selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 Draft. In his second start for the Pirates, he pitched six no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters, including the first seven consecutively.

Skenes’ work ethic and commitment to the team have been praised by figures like Dwight Gooden, who sees in the youngster a modern version of himself, highlighting his maturity and control in high-pressure situations.

Skenes’ decision to represent the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic is no coincidence. From his participation in the U-12 and collegiate national teams, he has shown a deep love for his country. His collaboration with the Gary Sinise Foundation, which supports America’s military veterans and first responders, reinforces his patriotic commitment.

However, the tournament’s timing during Spring Training makes it difficult for elite pitchers to participate due to the limited preparation time, leading many to decline the invitation to focus on the upcoming MLB season.

When is the World Baseball Classic?

With Judge as captain and Skenes leading the rotation, Team USA is shaping up as a serious contender for the 2026 title. The combination of experience and youth promises a formidable lineup.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic will be held from March 6 to 11 in Houston, with the United States drawn in Group B alongside Mexico, Brazil, Italy, and Great Britain.

Although the full rosters have yet to be announced, the inclusion of Skenes and Judge has already raised expectations to sky-high levels.

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