The countdown to the 2026 World Baseball Classic is on, and Team USA is stepping up to the plate with a squad that's nothing short of a dream team. Packed with MVPs and Cy Young winners, the USA is the favorite to take it all.
Among the stars is Paul Skenes, who’s ready to make multiple starts if needed. Skenes has been vocal about the high expectations for Team USA, drawing inspiration from the country's recent Olympic success.
“Men’s hockey, women’s hockey, and all those golds-we’re America. We’ve got to assert our dominance,” Skenes said with a confident grin.
The USA's recent triumphs at the 2026 Winter Olympics, including gold in both men's and women's hockey, have set a high bar. With 33 medals, including 12 golds, the USA finished second only to Norway. This winning spirit is something Skenes and his teammates aim to channel in the WBC.
Since his MLB debut in 2024, Skenes has been a force on the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates. But like all pitchers, he's facing the new ABS challenge system this year.
In a recent spring training game against the Atlanta Braves, Skenes lost four strikes to pitch reviews. “Just got to be tighter with everything,” he remarked, acknowledging the need to adjust.
“Challenge system or not, I didn’t do a very good job today.”
Braves' first baseman Matt Olson managed to overturn one of Skenes' pitches, highlighting the precision required under the new system. “We’ll adjust.
Time will tell. Ask me again in June,” Skenes added, showing his determination to adapt.
As the WBC approaches, all eyes will be on how Team USA, led by stars like Skenes, performs on the international stage. With the weight of national pride and recent Olympic success behind them, they're ready to make their mark.