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Paul Skenes to pitch for Team USA in 2026

Untitled design (1)by: Julie Boudwin05/13/25
Paul Skenes
Brad Penner-Imagn Images

One of LSU’s most dominant pitchers ever is headed to the international stage.

Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ ace and former LSU star, will take the mound for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, it was announced Tuesday. The tournament runs from March 5-17, and Skenes is expected to be a centerpiece of a loaded American roster looking to avenge its 2023 runner-up finish to Japan.

Now in his second Major League season, Skenes has already lived up to his billing as the top overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. After winning National League Rookie of the Year and earning an All-Star nod in 2024, he’s continued to shine in 2025. Through nine starts this year, the 6-foot-6 right-hander is 3-4 with a 2.63 ERA, 53 strikeouts and just 12 walks across 54.2 innings — all while pitching for a Pirates team that currently sits at the bottom of the NL Central at 14-28.

In 32 career starts, Skenes owns a 14-7 record with a 2.16 ERA and 223 strikeouts over 187 2/3 innings. His 7.3 WAR through just over a full season is nothing short of elite. He’s once again in the NL Cy Young conversation after finishing third in voting as a rookie.

The World Baseball Classic will mark Skenes’ first appearance on the international stage since turning pro, but it’s hardly his first connection to serving his country. He began his college career at the Air Force Academy and continues to support veterans and first responders through the Gary Sinise Foundation.

“Skenes’ love of country is well known,” Tuesday’s MLB announcement read. “He will help anchor an American team that is looking to rebound after finishing runner-up to Japan in 2023.”

That 2023 title game ended in a legendary moment, with Shohei Ohtani striking out Mike Trout to seal the championship. Now, it’s Skenes’ turn to help bring the red, white and blue back to the top — and LSU fans will be watching every pitch.

Full rosters have not been announced yet, but Yankees superstar Aaron Judge was named captain of Team USA, which will again be led by manager Mark DeRosa.

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