Team USA isn’t showing up to the 2026 World Baseball Classic to make friends—they’re coming to take names, reclaim pride, and maybe break a few radar guns along the way. While some nations will lean on nostalgia or vibes, the Americans are stockpiling pure velocity and star wattage. And just when you thought they couldn’t flex any harder, they’ve got a 22-year-old flamethrower from the Pittsburgh Pirates ready to turn hitters into spectators.

While Aaron Judge and some other top batters will lead the offense, the defense will be the one to watch out for. And after the 2024 season, there was only one guy from the pitchers section who was making more noise than everyone, and that was Paul Skenes. After putting in a performance worthy of the NL Rookie of the Year, there is no doubt that he is one of the best pitchers.

With the 2026 WBC around, there is only one question on the minds of all the fans. It is whether Paul Skenes will be in the team and how he will be able to influence the team when he is playing. And the answer to that question was given by Zachary D. Rymer. He wrote, “Lest anyone think Skenes is overhyped, just remember he’s a sensation despite his lowly station with the Pittsburgh Pirates. That his 2.12 ERA is the lowest ever for a live-ball era pitcher through his first 27 starts is likewise a big deal.”

After missing out on the crown last time, Team USA will be looking to get it back. This season might not have been a good start for the Pirates, but Paul Skenes has been doing his job at the top level. With the variation and pace Skenes has, he’s going to be a weapon for the team.

Skenes also brings in that “Big Game mentality” to the team and will lighten the load on other players. Many of the MLB insiders and analysts compare him to the likes of Verlander and Scherzer. The ice in the veins mentality by Verlander is already there with Skenes, as he helped LSU win the 2023 College World Series. He also pitches like Scherzer, where it looks like he is hunting the batter rather than just pitching.

So yes, if you’re building a WBC rotation to win, not just participate—leaving out Skenes would be like showing up to a sword fight with a pool noodle. He’s not just the future of American pitching; he’s already the present. With triple-digit heat, predator-like presence, and postseason pedigree, Skenes isn’t joining Team USA to learn—he’s showing up to lead. Good luck, rest of the world. Bring helmets.

Pitch. Focus. Repeat: Inside Paul Skenes’ unshakable mindset

Pressure breaks most people. For Paul Skenes, it just sharpens the edges. While the sports world spirals over celebrity pairings and NIL chaos, he’s somewhere between the mound and monk mode—unbothered, unshaken, and dangerously locked in. He’s not chasing headlines; they chase him. But don’t mistake the calm for passivity. Paul Skenes isn’t staying quiet—he’s just too busy building something that speaks louder than hype ever could.

While all the players are trying to get themselves to look good on the field, Paul Skenes from the Pirates seems to have already mastered it. During a recent interview, Skenes revealed his blueprint that has helped him reach that level. He said, “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with everything going on… Getting ready for my outing is the biggest thing I’m doing today.”

When they say think about the present, this is exactly what they mean. Paul Skenes follows this rule to the T and also stays in the moment and does not get distracted. He also gave the same advice to his GF Olivia Dunne. Skenes says that he focuses more on the job at hand and does not give his attention to the media and outside noise.

That’s not just mindfulness—it’s menace in disguise. While others scroll headlines and chase clout, Paul Skenes is stacking quiet wins that roar when it counts. His game isn’t built on hype; it’s built on habits.