Paul Skenes Joins Team USA for 2026 World Baseball Classic

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes has emerged as one of MLB's brightest stars, delivering strong pitching performances and earning accolades such as the National League Rookie of the Year and All-Star nod. Despite his efforts, the Pirates recently lost a close game to the New York Mets, whose star trio of Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso continues to perform at a high level. Skenes has praised the Mets' top hitters for their consistent excellence, underscoring their impact on the league. Beyond MLB, Skenes has declared his intention to join Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, aiming to bolster a pitching rotation that struggled in 2023, alongside stars like Aaron Judge. His commitment raises the competition level for other top players, including those from the Cincinnati Reds and Team Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, there is speculation that the New York Yankees, dealing with pitching injuries, might seek to acquire Skenes to strengthen their roster this season, though the Pirates are likely to retain their young star as long as possible.