Paul Skenes does not believe in half measures. The current ace of the Pittsburgh Pirates and unanimous winner of the 2025 National League Cy Young Award is preparing to lead Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), carrying the same mentality he aims to instill in his team: win at all costs.
For Skenes, representing his country is not just a matter of honor, but a mission to reaffirm American hegemony in the sport following the nation’s recent success at the Winter Olympic Games, which gives him extra motivation.
“Winning gold is the most important thing,” Skenes declared this Wednesday after his first Spring Training start in Florida. The 23-year-old pitcher admitted that the success of the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams at the Olympic Games has served as fuel. The Pirates star noted that when representing the United States, there is only one acceptable outcome: victory.
“We are the United States, we have to impose our dominance over everyone else. That’s what we do. It’s going to be fun. USA wins, that’s what we do. We have to keep that streak going,” said the player who will be part of the national roster.
Patriotic motivation: Beyond the diamond
Skenes’ commitment to the United States runs deep. Before shining at LSU and becoming the No. 1 overall Draft pick, the pitcher spent two seasons at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Skenes made it clear to national team manager Mark DeRosa that his participation in the WBC carries a greater purpose: honoring the military.
“We do it to represent the men and women who fight for us, along with many other things that make this the greatest country in the world. That puts things in perspective,” he told The Athletic.
For him, wearing the stars and stripes uniform is the culmination of a desire to serve that began at the academy: “It’s why we do it… That’s why I wanted to serve, that’s why I went to the Air Force Academy. Those people don’t get the recognition they deserve.”
Skenes will arrive at the tournament after a single spring appearance against the Atlanta Braves, where he pitched 2.1 innings with four strikeouts. Interestingly, he was a victim of the ABS review system (robot umpires), losing four strikes after hitter challenges.
When does the World Baseball Classic begin?
The United States’ participation in the first round will begin on March 6, competing in Group B against Brazil, Great Britain, Italy and Mexico at Daikin Park.
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