Skenes Expected to Make Multiple Starts for Team USA in World Baseball Classic

Team USA is expected to utilize ace pitcher Paul Skenes on multiple occasions during the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Skenes Targeting Two Starts

Skenes indicated he is hoping to make two starts in the tournament, contingent on the United States advancing beyond the group stage. If we win and go as far as we demand to, I’ll pitch in the tournament again, Skenes stated.

Grapefruit League Preparations

Skenes is scheduled to make his Grapefruit League debut this Wednesday against the Atlanta Braves. He also has a scheduled pitching appearance next week in Arizona, facing the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday and the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday.

Contrasting Approaches to Classic Participation

This approach differs from that of Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, who only plans to make one start in the World Classic. The difference in plans may be attributed to their respective situations; Skubal is entering his final year before free agency and is a key player for a Tigers team aiming for postseason success, while the 23-year-ancient Skenes has more flexibility.

Dominant 2025 Season

Skenes comes off a stellar 2025 season, earning unanimous National League Cy Young Award honors. He posted a 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts and a 7.7 WAR (according to Baseball Reference) across 187.2 innings. Through his first 55 starts, Skenes maintains a career ERA of 1.96 and has been selected to the All-Star Game in each of his first two seasons.

Looking Ahead

Skenes’s availability for multiple appearances underscores Team USA’s confidence in his ability to contribute significantly to their World Baseball Classic campaign. His performance will be a key storyline to watch as the tournament unfolds.