Paul Skenes is ready to shoulder a significant workload for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. In an article written by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, he reported that Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal plans to make only one start in the tournament, while the Pittsburgh Pirates’ reigning 2025 NL Cy Young award winner expects to take the ball twice if the United States advances out of pool play. Rosenthal also noted the following from Skenes regarding the upcoming international tournament, underscoring his commitment to Team USA.
“We win, we go as far as we should, I’ll pitch again in the tournament.”
That stance from the 23-year-old flamethrower turns a routine tournament appearance into a clear declaration of how seriously he is treating the WBC. Rather than easing into the 2026 season, he is tying his workload directly to Team USA’s success — a level of commitment that appeals with fans and a clubhouse looking for an ace to set the tone.
Rosenthal’s article also touched on the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year's deeper motivation for representing his country, citing his remarks about his time at the U.S. Air Force Academy and his desire to honor servicemen and women.
“That’s what we do it for,” Skenes said. “This is the greatest country in the world. That’s what I believe. That’s why I wanted to serve, why I went to the Air Force Academy. And those folks don’t get the recognition they deserve.”
The report places Skenes’ decision squarely in the middle of spring training, with the right-hander ramping up through a Grapefruit League debut and a planned World Baseball Classic exhibition outing before pool play. That schedule shortens the runway for the tournament and links his buildup directly to meaningful innings for Team USA.
