Paul Skenes on why he represents the US in the Classic: It’s our duty to make baseball better

Paul Skenes, the 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner and ace of the Pittsburgh Pirates, will represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic. While currently in spring training with his parent club in Florida, he shared why he is ready to take the risk of playing before the regular season: “Baseball belongs to us. It’s our duty to improve it beyond how we found it.”

Since making his major league debut in 2024, Skenes has been selected to consecutive All-Star games, appearing in 55 games and pitching 320.2 innings with a 21-13 record, 386 strikeouts, and a league-best 1.96 ERA. Beyond his outstanding on-field performance, his sense of responsibility and commitment to baseball and his team may be the key to his leadership and superstar status. According to an MLB.com writer, his popularity might even qualify him to run for mayor of Pittsburgh.

During last offseason, Skenes publicly urged that the 91-71 season not be seen as “a wasted year,” stating frankly: “I think adjustments are needed on the individual, team, and organizational levels.” Following this, the Pirates experienced their most active offseason in nearly a decade, signing players like Ryan O'Hearn, Marcell Ozuna, and Brandon Lowe. Many believe Skenes’ call for change played a crucial role.

Skenes also took part in hiring the Pirates’ new pitching coach, ensuring Bill Murphy genuinely aimed to bring a championship to the team rather than just seeking a major league job. Pirates GM Ben Cherington said, “Paul would say during discussions, ‘I think this can be improved; let’s talk about how to make it better.’ We really appreciate that about him.”

Last year’s National League ERA leader praised the team’s acquisitions and admitted he holds himself and his teammates to high standards, unwilling to be part of a group that limits itself. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. When I say that, I’m not just referring to myself; the other players in the clubhouse also push each other to improve.”

Skenes’ goal this year is, of course, the playoffs. After pitching 187.2 innings last year, he said: “Honestly, even if I had thrown 200 innings last year or done something completely different, it wouldn’t have mattered because we were already eliminated. My plan is to start opening day on March 26 and aim to pitch seven innings every game. I don’t know how many innings it will take to get us into the playoffs, but my goal is to be ready for the postseason.”