Paul Skenes Makes Off-Field Decision on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 5:12 PM ET

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes has quickly emerged as one of the best pitchers in all of Major League Baseball over the past few years. He was taken with the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Pirates after two years with the Air Force Academy and one season with the LSU Tigers.

He has spent the past two years in the majors, totaling 55 starts with a record of 21-13. He has pitched to an unbelievable 1.96 ERA in 320 2/3 innings, striking out 386 batters while walking 74.

The 23-year-old made the All-Star Game in each of his first two seasons, winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2024 and the NL Cy Young Award in 2025.

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul SkenesCharles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Last season, Skenes had a 10-10 record in 32 starts with an MLB-best 1.96 ERA and an NL-best 0.948 WHIP. He struck out 216 batters and walked 42 in 187 2/3 innings.

This spring, the Fullerton, California, native decided to represent the United States in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He is set to make his tournament debut on Monday in the U.S.'s third pool play game against Mexico.

Before the game, Skenes, along with fellow former Air Force Academy Cadet and current U.S. teammate Griffin Jax, made a gesture to pay for the entire Air Force baseball team to attend Monday's game against Mexico.

"What a beautiful and generous gesture by former Air Force Academy cadets Paul Skenes and Griffin Jax to pay for the entire Air Force baseball team to attend tonight’s USA-Mexico game in Houston. @CBCJakeMck with the news," said USA Today reporter Bob Nightengale.

What a beautiful and generous gesture by former Air Force Academy cadets Paul Skenes and Griffin Jax to pay for the entire Air Force baseball team to attend tonight’s USA-Mexico game in Houston. @CBCJakeMck with the news.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 9, 2026

Air Force's team will have the opportunity to watch Skenes on full display when he takes the ball for the U.S. at 8 p.m. ET against Mexico at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. The matchup will air live on Fox.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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