The 2026 World Baseball Classic has the potential to deliver more glory for Team USA after the country’s recent Winter Olympics success, and one MLB star is highly confident in his squad’s ability.
Pittsburgh Pirates standout Paul Skenes has become a dominant force in MLB and now wants to translate that success into the international game.
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Skenes and Team USA will be one of the top sides at the World Baseball Classic next month, and Livvy Dunne’s boyfriend has a lot to say about America before the tournament.
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Team USA men’s and women’s hockey teams are still riding highs after winning gold medals in Milan Cortina. That’s why Skenes suggested that the American baseball team channel that same ‘dominance’ for the latest edition of the World Baseball Classic.
“We’re America, we’ve got to assert our dominance over everybody else,” Skenes said before the 2026 WBC. “That’s what we do.”
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The U.S. team slated to take the field next month features a star-studded roster of MLB players, including Skenes. However, other top names like Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh have made the Americans clear favorites for the global event.
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Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes throws against the Atlanta Braves during spring training MLB game. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Team USA has been placed in Pool B for the 2026 edition of the WBC. Their group play foes include Mexico, Italy, Great Britain and Brazil.
Meanwhile, the reigning winners Japan appear on the opposite side of the bracket and could set up to face the Americans in a potential championship matchup.
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