Context:

Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' standout pitcher who emerged as a rookie sensation after his successful career with the LSU Tigers, has announced his commitment to play for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Following the Pirates' disappointing season start and the firing of manager Derek Shelton, Skenes' involvement in the WBC is seen as a significant boost for the national team. Under the management of former MLB player Mark DeRosa, Team USA aims to assemble a 'dream team' with Skenes being a crucial addition, especially after other top pitchers chose to opt out of the previous tournament. Skenes, who has played for Team USA three times before, expressed his unwavering enthusiasm for representing his country, emphasizing his readiness with the words 'I'm in'. The 2026 World Baseball Classic is scheduled to take place from March 5 to 17 across cities like Tokyo, Houston, Miami, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, with Yankees' Aaron Judge as the team captain.

Dive Deeper:

• Paul Skenes, a rising star with the Pittsburgh Pirates and former LSU Tigers standout, will join Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, marking his continued commitment to representing his country on the international stage.

• The Pirates have recently faced challenges, including the dismissal of manager Derek Shelton due to a poor season start, yet Skenes remains a bright spot for the team after earning Rookie of the Year and starting in the All-Star Game in 2024.

• Managed by former MLB player Mark DeRosa, Team USA is looking to create a formidable lineup, with Skenes being a key acquisition, especially as some top pitchers like Blake Snell previously opted out of international duties.

• Skenes brings prior experience to the team, having donned the USA jersey three times in the past, and his eagerness is clear as he expressed he would never decline the opportunity to play for the national team.

• The World Baseball Classic will take place from March 5 to 17, 2026, in multiple cities including Tokyo, Houston, Miami, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, with Aaron Judge serving as the team captain, aiming to lead a 'dream team'.

• The Pittsburgh Pirates fired manager Derek Shelton amid a disappointing start to their season. But, the Pirates do have Paul Skenes, the hard-throwing pitcher who burst onto the scene in his rookie season a year ago. 

• Skenes, who became a superstar with the LSU Tigers, started the All-Star Game and won Rookie of the Year in 2024, so there is a ton to like about the Pirates' new star. 

• On Tuesday, it was revealed that Skenes will play for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Former MLB player Mark DeRosa is the manager for the 2026 team, and said Skenes had two words when they talked about it on the phone: "I'm in." 

• "If I ever get the chance to do this I'm never saying no," Skenes added. 

• "If I ever get the chance to do this I'm never saying no..."
  
  Paul Skenes is ALL IN for Team USA 🇺🇸 https://t.co/1w5yZscqEv pic.twitter.com/1UdpyyXOks

• — MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 13, 2025 Skenes is a major get for Team USA, especially after top pitchers such as Blake Snell opted to sit out during the last WBC. 

• Skenes has played for team USA three times previously before making it to the majors, so it won't be his first team rocking the USA logo across his chest, although this one will be much different. 

• New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is the team capatin, and DeRosa is working hard to field a "dream team," as he said. 

• The 2026 WBC is from March 5 to 17 in Tokyo, Houston, Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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