MLB's Major Paul Skenes Announcement is Turning Heads
After falling to Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Team USA is aiming to assemble a roster that can avenge the loss when the 2026 tournament arrives.
There is still some time before the roster needs to be finalized, as of Tuesday, only New York Yankees slugger and two-time MVP Aaron Judge had announced his participation.
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However, the team already got a significant boost in talent on the bump, as it was revealed that 22-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates pitching phenom, Paul Skenes, would be joining the squad. Despite this being just his second MLB season, Skenes already has an All-Star selection, in addition to being the NL Rookie of the Year in 2024, on his resume.
With pitchers being scarce for this tournament due to concerns about injury, fans on social media were thrilled by Skenes' decision.
"team USA basically hittin the 'we're not losing' button already… skenes gonna throw 102 just to warm up and ask for the championship trophy in the 3rd inning," wrote one fan.
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"LETS GOO TEAM USA NUMBER 1," exclaimed a second.
"Let's gooooo," added another.
"CAPTAIN AMERICA," coined another.
"Oh we're winning this next WBC. The dream team is being built," predicted one user.
"Team USA is getting the Avengers together," joked another.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.Charles LeClaire
As a rookie last season, Skenes accumulated an 11-3 record, and posted a 1.96 ERA in 23 starts. His success led to him starting the All-Star Game for the National League, and he also came in third in NL Cy Young Award voting.
Although this will be his first WBC, it will not be Skenes' first time representing the stars and stripes. Prior to transferring to LSU in college, Skenes was a two-way star at the Air Force Academy.
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For Skenes, the WBC gives him something to look for as he has posted a 3-4 record with a 2.63 ERA in 54 2/3 innings for a Pirates team that has the third-worst record (14-28) in baseball. His joining the team may also convince fellow star pitchers to follow, which could be huge for Team USA, who last won the tournament in 2017.
Related: Rafael Devers Red Sox Drama Gets Interesting Mookie Betts Twist
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