Paul Skenes Commits to Play for USA In 2026 WBC

Paul Skenes once planned on serving his country. Next year, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace pitcher will represent the United States in a different way.

Skenes announced on Tuesday that he will play for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic during an appearance on MLB Network. He is the second player to commit after New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge.

Skenes spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at the Air Force Academy before transferring to LSU and becoming the first overall pick in the 2023 amateur draft.

Last season, Skenes won the National League Rookie of the Year and finished third in the NL Cy Young Award voting. He has a 3-4 record through nine starts this season despite a 2.63 ERA.