Paul Skenes Salutes Military Heroes and Calls for American Supremacy at the WBC

In an era when many athletes shy away from embracing American exceptionalism, Pittsburgh Pirates ace and reigning NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes is proudly waving the red, white, and blue.

Fresh off a dominant 2025 season (1.97 ERA, 216 strikeouts in 32 starts), the 23-year-old fireballer made clear he’s heading into the 2026 World Baseball Classic with one mission: lead Team USA to total dominance.

Paul Skenes Team USA Dominance: Pirates Ace Channels Olympic Triumph and Military Pride to Demand American Victory in World Baseball Classic

Skenes, who will join stars like Aaron Judge and Tarik Skubal on the U.S. roster when the tournament opens March 5th, drew direct inspiration from Team USA’s record-setting performance at the Milan Winter Olympics – including gold medals in both men’s and women’s hockey.

“Yeah, men’s hockey, women’s hockey, all the golds that we won in the Olympics,” he said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “We’re America. We’ve got to assert our dominance over everyone else. That’s what we do.”

“It’s gonna be fun. If USA wins, it’s what we do. Gotta keep it going.”

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That’s not empty bravado. Skenes’ love for country runs deep. He spent time at the U.S. Air Force Academy before transferring to LSU and has repeatedly spoken about his desire to honor the men and women in uniform.

“We’re doing it to represent the men and women that are fighting for us, along with many other things that make this country the greatest country in the world. That puts it into perspective a little bit,” he said.

“That’s what we do it for. This is the greatest country in the world. That’s what I believe. That’s why I wanted to serve, why I went to the Air Force Academy. And those folks don’t get the recognition they deserve.”

Paul Skenes, on representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic and the country’s recent Olympic success:

“We're America, we've got to assert our dominance over everybody else. That's what we do.” pic.twitter.com/JyUl2MF8vo

— Colin Beazley (@colin_beazley) February 25, 2026

Skenes hopes to make multiple starts for Team USA, though a second outing would only come if the Americans advance deep into the bracket.

Seeing Skenes express his patriotism is a refreshing change of pace. Especially after all of the heat the men’s Olympic hockey team has faced from a media that clearly despises America.

The fact that it’s been inspired by that same group makes it even better.