To Mark DeRosa, Paul Skenes almost doesn’t seem human

A robot — that’s how Mark DeRosa described one of his top pitchers, Paul Skenes. The standout performance from the Pirates player for Team USA secured his team’s spot in the WBC final, arriving at the championship in peak form.

“Paul Skenes is a robot and he is process oriented,” the manager said during a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. He also added: “He wanted that moment and he was dialed in from pitch one.“

While DeRosa confirmed that Nolan McLean will take the mound for Team USA in the 2026 WBC final, Skenes is also expected to play a prominent role in the rotation, no matter who the opponent is.

Skenes’ dominance in the WBC so far

Paul Skenes has been an absolute force on the mound, finishing his 2026 WBC run with a perfect 2-0 record and a dominant 1.08 ERA. In his most recent start during the semifinals, the reigning NL Cy Young winner shut down a star-studded DR Team lineup, allowing only one run over 4.1 innings while showcasing a fastball that averaged 97.6 mph.

Skenes limited opponents to a meager .226 batting average throughout the tournament, cementing his status as Team USA‘s undisputed ace and the primary reason they are heading into the championship game.

Overflowing talent on the mound

Under the pitching coach Andy Pettitte, the Team USA roster features a powerhouse rotation headlined by Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, and Logan Webb. However, the most compelling story of the tournament is the rise of the Mets’ two-way star, as Nolan McLean knows his moment has arrived with Team USA after being named the starter for the championship final.

Supported by a shutdown bullpen including Mason Miller and David Bednar, McLean’s elite 2.06 ERA and high-90s velocity provide the Americans with the pitching depth necessary to secure the gold.

Waiting on their final opponent

After defeating the Dominican Republic 2–1 in a tense semifinal on Sunday, Team USA has secured its spot in the championship game and is now waiting for the winner of the Venezuela vs. Italy matchup. The grand final of the 2026 WBC will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17, at 8:00 p.m. ET at loanDepot park in Miami.