Pittsburgh Pirates standout Paul Skenes is making headlines with his bold comments following the Winter Olympics, where Team USA shone brightly. Known for his impressive pitching and high-profile relationship with former LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, Skenes is now setting his sights on the World Baseball Classic, which kicks off on March 5.
Joining forces with MLB stars like Aaron Judge, Tarik Skubal, and Cal Raleigh, Skenes is part of a U.S. roster brimming with talent. Fresh off a record-breaking 12 gold medals at the Winter Games, including thrilling victories by both the men's and women's hockey teams over Canada, the momentum is palpable.
Skenes, 23, exudes confidence as he looks ahead to the tournament. “We’re America.
We’ve got to assert our dominance over everyone else. That’s what we do.
It’s gonna be fun. If USA wins, it’s what we do.
Gotta keep it going,” he stated.
His remarks have sparked mixed reactions among fans. While some admire his confidence, others see it as over-the-top. Comments ranged from praise of his assertiveness to critiques of his outspoken style.
Despite the chatter, Skenes remains focused on the bigger picture, drawing inspiration from Aaron Judge. “We’re doing it to represent the men and women that are fighting for us, along with many other things that make this country the greatest country in the world. That puts it into perspective a little bit,” he shared.
With expectations high, Skenes is poised to make multiple starts in the tournament, provided Team USA advances deep into the competition. Meanwhile, Skubal is slated for a single start before returning to the Detroit Tigers for spring training. As the WBC approaches, fans are eager to see if Skenes and Team USA can continue their winning streak on the global stage.