As the 2026 World Baseball Classic kicks off next week, Team USA is gearing up to reclaim the title they last won in 2017. With a roster loaded with talent, particularly on the mound, the team is poised for a strong showing.
Leading the charge are Cy Young winners Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes. Skubal, at 29, is entering a pivotal contract year with the Detroit Tigers, where every pitch could be worth millions. To safeguard his future, he's opting for a conservative approach, committing to just one start for Team USA.
On the other hand, the 23-year-old sensation from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Paul Skenes, is ready to shoulder more responsibility. In a conversation with MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, Skenes shared his readiness to pitch twice if Team USA advances, signaling his commitment to the team's success.
“We win, we go as far as we should, I’ll pitch again in the tournament,” Skenes confidently told Rosenthal. He's set to make his spring training debut against the Braves and will also take the mound in one of Team USA's exhibition games in Arizona next week.
Adding to the depth of the pitching rotation, Logan Webb from the San Francisco Giants is also prepared to step up. Known for his durability, Webb's willingness to pitch twice aligns with his reputation as one of the league's most reliable arms.
With such a formidable lineup, Team USA's pitching staff is ready to make waves on the international stage, bringing a mix of strategic restraint and bold ambition. Fans can look forward to a thrilling display of talent as the tournament unfolds.