The Americans are only getting one World Baseball Classic start from one Cy Young Award winner, but could get multiple from another.
Paul Skenes told MLB insider Ken Rosenthal that he expects to make one start for Team USA in pool play and possibly another if the team advances in the international tournament.
“We win, we go as far as we should, I’ll pitch again in the tournament,” Skenes said.
The 2025 National League Cy Young winner’s decision stands in contrast to left-handed Tarik Skubal, who said Monday he will make one outing against Great Britain on March 7 before returning to spring training with the Tigers.
“I’m trying to do both things, trying to pitch for Team USA but I understand the need to be here with these guys and get ready for the season,” Skubal said. “I think it’s kind of the best of both worlds in that aspect, and I’m grateful they took me in that capacity.”
Skubal, the two-time reigning Cy Young winner in the American League, said he would like to return to the team to watch — if the Americans reach the final round.
Giants ace Logan Webb said Tuesday that he plans to stick it out throughout the WBC, and while he will be there for the entirety of the tournament, said he understands why Skubal, an impending free agent, is deciding to pitch just once.
“I’m not in his shoes,” Webb said, according to MLB.com. “I’ve got three years left on my contract. He doesn’t. He has one year and then he’s a free agent. I get the thought of it.”
In Skenes, Team USA will have arguably the best right-hander in baseball, who led MLB in ERA (1.97) and FIP (2.36) with an NL-best 0.948 WHIP last season.
The Americans also will have, on a star-studded roster, retired Dodgers legend Clayton Kershaw, who announced he’ll make an appearance in what will likely be his final chapter as a pitcher.
There will also be a New York contingent on the staff, with Mets starters Clay Holmes and Nolan McLean and Yankees reliever David Bednar all on the roster.
Team USA has exhibitions against the Giants and Rockies next week before kicking off pool play against Brazil on March 6 at Daikin Park in Houston.