Paul Skenes excites Pirates fans by channeling USA hockey energy into WBC gold chase

As Team USA celebrated its first Olympic men’s hockey gold medal since the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” Paul Skenes wasn't just watching as a casual fan. He was studying.

The Pittsburgh Pirates' ace was locked into the moment, absorbing every second of it.

“It’s cool,” Skenes said simply. “That’s what USA does. We win.”

For Pirates fans, that quote should hit differently. Because this isn’t just about hockey, and it isn’t even just about the upcoming World Baseball Classic. It’s about the mindset of the face of Pittsburgh baseball.

Skenes has never operated like a typical superstar. Before he became a Cy Young winner at 23 years old, before he started redefining what a modern ace looks like, he was an Air Force cadet learning discipline, accountability and service. Representing something bigger than yourself is deeply personal to him, and that's why his early commitment to Team USA for the WBC mattered so much.

Pitchers historically hesitate when it comes to international tournaments. Whether it's workload concerns, injury risk or club obligations, the list of reasons to decline is long. But when Skenes said yes early to manager Mark DeRosa’s 2026 World Baseball Classic roster, something shifted.

Suddenly Tarik Skubal was in. Logan Webb followed. Other elite arms lined up behind him. What had once been a lineup-heavy American roster suddenly transformed into arguably the deepest pitching staff the country has ever assembled.

Paul Skenes just borrowed the energy of USA hockey, and Pirates fans should be absolutely fired up

Some fans inevitably worry whenever their ace leaves camp. International tournaments carry risk. Every inning matters when you’re talking about a pitcher who anchors a franchise’s competitive window.

But the Pirates themselves understand what Skenes gains from this experience — pressure games, hostile environments, win-or-go-home stakes before Opening Day even arrives. There may not be a better preparation for leading a young Pirates club with postseason ambitions.

If the Pirates hope to matter in October, they need Skenes comfortable carrying expectation on the biggest stages imaginable. The World Baseball Classic offers exactly that.

Skenes doesn’t talk loudly or chase headlines. But teammates listen when he speaks because everything about him feels intentional. The American roster followed his example before a pitch was even thrown. Imagine what that influence looks like inside a Pirates clubhouse filled with young pitchers trying to learn how to win.

Skenes will leave Pirates camp on March 1 and head west to Arizona to prepare for pool play beginning March 6 in Houston. He’ll do it wearing cleats trimmed in red, white and blue and a belt carrying a small American flag — subtle reminders of what the moment means to him.

That "bigger than all of us" mentality is exactly why Pirates fans should be the most excited of anyone watching. Because the same mentality driving Skenes' pursuit of WBC gold is the one Pittsburgh hopes eventually carries them back into October relevance.