Paul Skenes' MLB Showdown Highlights Up-and-Coming Stars for Coaches
The World Baseball Classic has delivered a thrilling series of games. MLB’s finest talent and the best players from around the world are competing for the WBC title. They aren’t just battling for a world championship.
Many players are also showcasing their futures. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes takes the mound tonight with potential trade evaluators watching closely. Around professional baseball, the question isn’t if Skenes will be traded from the Pirates.
It’s when. MORE: Team USA, Dominican Republic starting lineups for WBC semifinal Skenes will have the entire baseball world watching him in the WBC semifinals. Could his future team be watching even more closely?
Feb 25, 2026; North Port, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves during spring training at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images Skenes is a generational talent. He has posted a sub-2.
00 ERA in his first two seasons in the majors. Last season, he led the MLB in ERA (1. 97), FIP (2.