Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skins announced his participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

MLB.com reported on the 14th (Korea time) that "Pirates star Paul Skins announced on MLB Network that he will participate in the U.S. national team for the 2026 WBC. He is likely to pitch at the front of the starting rotation. Skins, shining as the 2024 National League Rookie of the Year, has now gained the opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage."

Skins quickly rose from a top prospect to one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball, immediately after debuting in the big leagues last year.

Skins made his MLB debut on May 12 last year, appearing in 23 games, pitching 133 innings, recording 11 wins and 3 losses with an earned run average of 1.96, and striking out 170 batters. He was selected as an All-Star, won the National League Rookie Award, and finished third in the Cy Young Award voting.

This season, he has made 9 appearances, recording 3 wins and 4 losses with an earned run average of 2.63. On the 13th, he pitched 6 innings against the New York Mets, giving up 6 hits, 3 walks, and striking out 6 while allowing 1 run, but the bullpen squandered the victory.

In his big league career, he has made 32 starts (187⅔ innings) with a record of 14 wins and 7 losses, an earned run average of 2.16, 223 strikeouts, and a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 7.3.

MLB.com noted, "Skins' patriotism is well known. He started college baseball at the Air Force Academy and is currently working with the Gary Sinise Foundation to assist veterans, emergency responders, and their families. This World Baseball Classic will be his first participation since he entered the big leagues as the first overall pick in the 2023 draft."

The United States finished as the runner-up in the 2023 WBC tournament after losing to Japan. Mike Trout struck out swinging against Shohei Ohtani, concluding the game. The United States achieved its only championship in the 2017 WBC.

Skins will serve as a key starting pitcher for the United States, aiming for victory in the 2026 tournament. New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge was appointed as the captain of the U.S. national team, and Mark DeRosa will serve as the manager again in 2023.

The United States will play its first round in Group B of the 2026 WBC against Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, and Brazil. The first round will take place in Houston from March 7 to 12.

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