The USA Jersey is Especially Meaningful to Paul Skenes

Although the 2026 World Baseball Classic will be Skenes' first appearance in the tournament, he brings a wealth of experience from his time with Team USA. The right-handed pitcher has previously represented the U.S. on the 12U National Team in 2014 and the collegiate national team in both 2021 and 2022.

Skenes was selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft and ranks among the top pitchers in the league. He boasts a 2.16 ERA and has recorded 223 strikeouts across 187.2 innings in 32 starts since his major league debut on May 11, 2024.

The USA jersey is especially meaningful to Skenes because of his time in the military. Paul spent the first two years of college in the Air Force where excelled both in the classroom and on the pitching mound for the Air Force Falcons. Paul then transferred to the LSU Tigers to complete his college baseball career and qualify for the Major League Baseball draft. Skenes plans to return to military service after his MLB career has finished.

For the Skenes family, military service is a way of life. Two of Skenes’ uncles have served in the Navy and another served in the Coast Guard. It will be amazing to see such a patriotic player representing Team USA.