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The 2026 World Baseball Classic kicks off this week as Team USA prepares to square off with the best baseball players in the world.
Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes is one of the big stars for Team USA as he prepares for his first tournament appearance. Fans can’t wait to see the reigning unanimous NL Cy Young winner in action and pitching for his country.
Skenes sounds excited, too, although he admitted missing his Pirates teammates at spring training. He’s already said he intends to make two starts for Team USA if the Americans advance, health permitting.
On Monday, Skenes spoke with MLB Network at Team USA World Baseball Classic training camp in Scottsdale, Arizona, about how much this honor means to him.
“It’s pretty darn cool. Seeing everyone wearing the same thing, USA, it’s hard to put into words,” Skenes said about being surrounded by so many superstars, including Aaron Judge, Tarik Skubal and Cal Raleigh.
He also explained why pitching for Team USA is so special to him and why he cares so much.
“First and foremost, I care because I’m from America, I love America…There’s no bigger stage or no greater honor than wearing USA across your chest,” Skenes said.
The 23-year-old righty also spoke about how he started college at the Air Force Academy and wanted to serve his country before transferring to LSU to pursue his baseball dreams.
Now, he gets to represent the United States in a different way and wearing a different uniform.
“It’s not serving, but it’s a pretty close second,” Skenes said. “This is the biggest stage I’ve played on. It’s the coolest motivation and the coolest thing that we’re playing for is winning gold for our country.”
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