One of the best things that the game of baseball is implementing is the World Baseball Classic. This was a massive success in 2023 and it gave the baseball world a moment that will last forever. Shohei Ohtani, the greatest two way player we’ve seen in our lifetime facing a generational talent and teammate at the time in Mike Trout. It ended with Ohtani striking out Trout to win it all.

That’s the beautiful part about this tournament. Creating memories to last a lifetime and to also grow the game of baseball. It gives these players a chance to represent their country on the biggest stage.

Primarily focusing on the United States, two have confirmed that they will represent and it’s a huge hit for the sport.

Skenes Latest to Confirm He Will Represent USA

Paul Skenes has announced he will play for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic pic.twitter.com/caH4itpEpQ

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 13, 2025

The torch has been passed from Mike Trout down to Aaron Judge as the captain. Judge will look to lead the United States to win the entire thing. Judge has become the leagues most polarizing hitter and is on track to do more historical things at the plate. His 2025 season is off to an absurd start, hitting at a .400 clip, while also slugging above .700 and getting on base at a near .500 rate. He’s become one of the biggest faces in baseball. Him confirmed is a massive win not just for the United States, but baseball and it’s gotten better.

Paul Skenes has now been the latest to confirm he will pitch and represent the country. This is more personal to him, as he is going to pursue the Air Force after his playing career and did attend the Air Force Academy. This is huge, for him to represent on the biggest stage of the sport.

Skenes has become one of the biggest faces of baseball and is entering his second season in the league. He won the Rookie of the Year and also was a CY Young Finalist. It’s been one milestone after another for Skenes in his career and even he got the opening start for the All-Star game.

Here’s the big thing. This is exactly what this tournament was created to do. A great chance for the players to represent their respective countries, but also see the biggest names in our sport declare that they will play.

Two of the biggest faces confirming is a great win for American baseball and the game itself. The league’s most polarizing hitter and the one of the leagues top pitchers.

2026 can’t get here soon enough.