Unveiling the Future: Paul Skenes' First Team USA Start at the World Baseball Classic
The Pittsburgh Pirates' Paul Skenes is set to make his Team USA debut at the World Baseball Classic, facing off against Mexico on March 9. But here's where it gets exciting...
Skenes, a rising star in the MLB, will take the mound at Daikin Park, home of the Houston Astros, for his first start with Team USA. This highly anticipated match will be nationally televised on FOX at 8 p.m. (EST).
This game marks the second-to-last game of Pool Play for Team USA, with their final game against Italy on March 10. Skenes has hinted at another start in the knockout stage, but the specifics remain a mystery.
Who's in the Mexican Lineup?
Skenes will face off against some familiar faces, including his Pirates teammate, Nick Gonzales, who is representing Mexico for the first time. The infield will also feature Rowdy Tellez, a former Pirates teammate. But it's not just the infield; Mexico boasts some of the tournament's best hitters in the outfield.
Two-time All-Star Randy Arozerana of the Seattle Mariners and 2024 All-Star Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox will be on the Mexican team. Both players were part of Team Mexico's bronze medal-winning effort in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Other notable hitters include Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk, Milwaukee Brewers' Joey Ortiz, Atlanta Braves' Nacho Alvarez Jr., and Tampa Bay Rays' Jonathan Aranda, a 2025 All-Star, plus Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas.
A Strong Pitching Staff for Team USA
Team USA isn't just bringing Skenes; they're bringing the 2025 American League Cy Young Award winner, Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, who will pitch against Team Great Britain on March 7. The Giants' Logan Webb, a two-time All-Star and NL strikeout leader, will start against Team Brazil on March 6.
Nolan McClean, a rookie right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, will start the final game of Pool Play against Italy on March 10. The team also includes All-Stars Clay Holmes, David Bednar, Mason Miller, and Matthew Boyd.
And get this: Clayton Kershaw, a three-time NL Cy Young Award winner and retired pitcher, is making a comeback and will pitch for Team USA.
Skenes will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best pitchers in the game and return to the Pirates as an even tougher pitcher this season. So, mark your calendars and tune in for this exciting match!
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