Pirate champion Eskins confirmed to play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic and will wear the jersey of Team USA

One of the top pitchers in baseball today is about to represent his country in next year's World Baseball Classic.

Pirates superstar Paul Skenes announced on MLB Network on Tuesday that he will represent Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, most likely in a front-end or even ace role. The 2024 National League rookie king will take his dominance from Pittsburgh to the international stage.

"It means a lot," Mr. Skins told local media Tuesday night ahead of the Citi Field game against the Mets, "and I grew up watching the World Baseball Classic and never imagined I would get a chance to play." That's why I told myself, 'If you're lucky enough to be invited, you'll never turn it down.'" It's a dream come true. "

U.S. coach Mark DeRosa extended an invitation to Mr. Skins last April. At first DeRosa tried to convince him to join, but Spence interrupted: "DeRo, I'm joining." "

Skins' interest in the classics began in 2017 when the U.S. team defeated Puerto Rico 8-0 at Dodger Stadium to win the title. "The Adam Jones flyball that took Manny Machado, the atmosphere of the tournament and the fact that I got to know a few of the players from the back of the day made me want to compete. "

Just over a year away from his major league debut, Skins has gone from being the best rookie of his generation to a top-tier pitcher. This season's Cy Young Award favourites have 14 wins and 7 losses in 32 starts, a 2.16 ERA rate, 223 strikeouts in 187.2 innings, and a WAR value of 7.3 that shocked the league.

Skins is known for his patriotism: University began at the Air Force Academy and now partners with the Gary Sinis Foundation to assist veterans, first responders and their families. This will be his first classic since entering the major leagues as a champion in 2023.

"When I was in high school, I thought I should be flying a fighter plane instead of playing against the elite in the major leagues," says Skin, "and as a baseball fan, I vowed to watch a classic and 'never turn down an opportunity.'" "

Skins will help the U.S. reinvigorate their footing after they were defeated by Japan in the 2023 Classic final, and the epic matchup by Shohei Ohtani strikeout Mike Trout is still unforgettable.

This is not the first time that Skins has worn an American shirt:

• In 2014: A member of the 12U national team, played as a first baseman, played in all 10 games of the Pan American Championship (Mazatlan, Mexico), 8 starts, batting average of 0.286, contributed 6 hits and 1 dozen points, and won the silver medal
• In 2021: On July 12, against the Dutch team against the university national team, he made a 4-game main shot without conceding a point
• In 2022: 7 innings pitched with a 3.58 ERA and sent out 6 strikeouts

Despite his accomplishments at just 22 years old, Skins said it means a lot to represent the United States in the Classic. This time he will be playing alongside captain Aaron Judge. "It's the ultimate line-up of elites, and there's no more glorious stage than this," said Skins, adding, "It's going to be cool to share a locker room with Judge." "