Paul Skenes: From LSU to Team USA – A Rising Star’s Journey
On May 13, 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced that their ace pitcher, Paul Skenes, will represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC). This exciting news, shared via an X post, highlights Skenes’ meteoric rise in professional baseball and his potential to help Team USA reclaim the WBC title after their loss to Japan in 2023.
Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, has already made waves in his young career. During his time at LSU, he led the Tigers to a 2023 College World Series victory, earning the Most Outstanding Player award with a 1.69 ERA and an NCAA Division I-leading 209 strikeouts in 122.2 innings. His triple-digit fastball and wipeout slider drew comparisons to Stephen Strasburg, marking him as a generational talent.
A Brief but Impactful Stint with the Indianapolis Indians
Before making his MLB debut with the Pirates, Skenes honed his skills in the minors, including a short but impressive stint with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians in 2024. During his time with the Indians, Skenes showcased his dominance, posting a sub-2.00 ERA across a handful of starts and consistently hitting 100 mph on the radar gun. His time in Indianapolis was a crucial stepping stone, allowing him to refine his command and prepare for the big leagues. Pirates fans on X were quick to buzz about his performances, with many predicting he’d soon become a cornerstone of the franchise.
Skenes’ Rookie Season and Team USA Selection
Skenes made his MLB debut in May 2024, and his rookie season was nothing short of spectacular. He finished with a 1.96 ERA and 150 strikeouts over his first 22 starts, a stat line unmatched in the Modern Era, according to MLB. On May 11, 2025, he threw 17 pitches at 100 mph or faster in a single game, including a 101.9 mph fastball—the fastest recorded by a Pirates pitcher in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008). His seven strikeouts in his debut were the second-most by a Pirates starter aged 21 or younger, cementing his place as a future star.
Now, Skenes is set to take his talents to the international stage. The 2026 WBC, scheduled for March, will see Team USA, led by captain Aaron Judge, aim to reclaim the title. Skenes’ selection is a testament to his skill and the growing momentum for the tournament, with stars like Mike Trout also expressing interest in returning. After Team USA’s runner-up finish in 2023, Skenes’ addition could be the key to securing gold in 2026.
What This Means for Team USA and the WBC
The World Baseball Classic has become a global showcase for baseball, with the 2023 tournament drawing record viewership and highlighting the sport’s international growth. Team USA, managed by Mark DeRosa, is building a formidable roster, but pitching has often been a challenge due to the tournament’s timing during Spring Training. Skenes, with his electric stuff and competitive fire, could be a game-changer, especially against powerhouses like Japan and the Dominican Republic.
For Pirates fans, seeing Skenes don the stars and stripes is a point of pride, though some on X expressed frustration with the team’s recent struggles, with comments like, “Cool. He can finally play for a team that might win a game.” Regardless, Skenes’ participation in the WBC is a milestone in his career and a chance to elevate his profile further.
Looking Ahead
As Skenes prepares for the 2026 WBC, all eyes will be on how he performs on the global stage. His journey—from a two-way star at Air Force, to a national champion at LSU, to a brief stop with the Indianapolis Indians, and now a key piece for Team USA—shows why he’s one of baseball’s most exciting young talents. Will he lead Team USA to glory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Paul Skenes is a name baseball fans won’t forget anytime soon.
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