Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes continues to get praised from just about everyone around him, and that only got louder after his latest standout moment on the World Baseball Classic stage.
Skenes delivered another electric performance for Team USA, doing so against a DR Team that many considered to be the best offensive squad in the tournament. While fans and everyone else spoke about his outing, many Pirates players also had things to say, as they’re used to seeing the young star be the best pitcher in the world on a daily basis.
Pirates pitcher Bubba Chandler had a lot to say about Skenes, and it should have Pittsburgh fans fired up for the season.
“Super excited to watch him,” Chandler said, per Andrew Gould. “Dude’s a freaking stud. It’s a pleasure to have him in the clubhouse. Can’t wait for them to win and get our guys back. It’s a great day to be an American.”
While Skenes is arguably the best pitcher in baseball, he’s also clearly someone who has made a good impression inside the organization, as he seems well-liked by his teammates.
For Pittsburgh, that matters just as much as the stuff he has on the mound, as he seems to be someone who will be a building block for this organization for a very long time. Skenes has made it seem like he wants to stay with the Pirates.
Skenes himself also said that the World Baseball Classic experience is about more than just personal success. Competing with the best players in the sport has given him another chance to learn and bring something valuable back to Pittsburgh.
“Hopefully we’ll implement some of it in Pittsburgh, things that can make us better just by seeing how the best in the world go about their business,” Skenes said. “I’m excited to do that.”
Skenes has said that he’s excited about what Pittsburgh is bringing, showing he thinks the team can win in this upcoming season.
“There’s nothing stopping us from being — call it whatever you want — the best group we can be, the best group in baseball, whatever,” Skenes said. “The only thing that’s going to get in our way is ourselves.”