After falling short in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final against Team Japan, Team USA is preparing for a stronger showing in the 2026 tournament by bolstering its pitching rotation. The roster now features some of Major League Baseball’s elite starting pitchers, aiming to improve on last year’s performance. With four pool play games ahead, Team USA is focused on securing a spot in the quarterfinals to advance further in the competition.
Paul Skenes Named Starter Against Mexico
Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ standout right-hander and unanimous winner of the 2025 National League Cy Young Award, has been designated as the starting pitcher for Game Three against Team Mexico. Although pitching third in the rotation could seem unexpected given his accolades, Skenes’ dominance throughout the recent season justifies this strategic move. He is also expected to pitch again in the quarterfinals, should Team USA advance.
Skenes’ Outright MLB Dominance
At 23 years old, Skenes is rapidly establishing himself as one of baseball’s top pitchers. In the 2025 season, he led the National League with an exceptionally low 1.97 ERA over 187⅔ innings, marking the lowest qualified ERA in MLB since Justin Verlander’s 1.75 in 2022. Additionally, Skenes earned the distinction of starting his second consecutive National League All-Star game and finished sixth in NL MVP voting, highlighting his all-around impact on the field. His steady rise can be traced back to being the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, with no signs of struggle at any professional level.
Pool Play Matchups and Pitching Strategy
Team USA begins pool play with games against Team Brazil and Team Great Britain. Both opponents possess less experienced MLB lineups, with Brazil lacking veteran position players and Great Britain’s lineup considered shallow. Left-hander Tarik Skubal will take the mound against Great Britain, aligning with his limited availability for the Classic. The more challenging matchup is against Team Mexico, known for its deep and experienced lineup filled with 2026 All-Stars and MLB veterans.
Team Mexico’s Formidable Lineup
Team Mexico boasts multiple notable players, including All-Stars Alejandro Kirk, Jonathan Aranda, Randy Arozarena, and the dynamic Jarren Duran. Beyond these stars, the lineup includes reliable players like Rowdy Tellez, Nick Gonzales, Luis Urias, and Alek Thomas, providing strong depth and professional experience. This sizeable talent pool makes Mexico the most challenging opponent in Team USA’s Pool B group and justifies saving a pitcher of Skenes’ caliber for this crucial game.
Strategic Decisions by Team USA’s Manager
Mark DeRosa, Team USA’s manager, has opted to hold Skenes back for game three against Mexico rather than using him in the opener versus Brazil, reflecting the perceived toughness of the Mexican squad. This tactical choice aims to preserve Team USA’s top pitching asset for a pivotal contest that could significantly influence their path in the tournament.
Key Dates and Future Appearances for Skenes
Paul Skenes is scheduled to pitch against Team Mexico on March 9 at Daikin Park. If Team USA advances beyond pool play, Skenes is expected to take the mound once again in the quarterfinals, pending his availability and the team’s needs.
Additional Notes on WBC Player Movements
Meanwhile, Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, who has the chance to secure his third consecutive American League Cy Young Award, is slated to pitch against Great Britain in the tournament’s early rounds. Skubal’s involvement further strengthens Team USA’s pitching depth during the World Baseball Classic.
