Noah Hiles: Facing baseball's loudest and most lethal lineup, Paul Skenes is up for the challenge

Noah Hiles, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Mar 15, 2026

Published in Baseball

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

LAKELAND, Fla. — Following his dominant four-inning effort in the World Baseball Classic on Monday evening against Mexico, Paul Skenes fielded questions from the media alongside his USA teammate Roman Anthony and manager Mark DeRosa.

The reigning National League Cy Young winner discussed the “electric” atmosphere at Houston’s Daikin Park, along with the stellar defensive plays made behind him by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and right fielder Aaron Judge. He, again, stated how much he values pitching for his country, and how he was finally happy to contribute to the team’s effort after watching from the dugout during the first two games in pool play.

As the media session was wrapping up, the final question for Skenes pertained to the road ahead. Scheduled to make his next start in Sunday’s semifinal, a reporter asked which opponent he wanted to face.

“I couldn’t care less who I pitch against,” the Pirates right-hander replied in his all-too-familiar emotionless tone.

Most pitchers would’ve given a similar response. At that time, Team USA hadn’t even clinched a berth to the knockout round (although their manager would’ve begged to differ). There was no point in looking ahead, much less providing billboard material for a potential future foe — especially considering the likely matchup that awaited.

Now, it’s happening. On Sunday evening in Miami, the United States will face the Dominican Republic in this year’s WBC semifinal round.

In the midst of a time where attention spans are shorter than ever, it can be easy to overlook baseball’s history. But it’s not hyperbole to suggest that this Dominican Republic team features the best lineup ever assembled (outside of MLB All-Star Games).

The projected starting nine hitters for manager Albert Pujols’ squad features 27 combined All-Star appearances, a rather incredible feat for a group with an average age of just over 27 years old. A third of the lineup — first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., third baseman Manny Machado and outfielder Juan Soto — is on the fast track to Cooperstown, with the rest of the bunch not far behind.

Last year, this lineup slashed a combined .271/.353/.481 in the major leagues, good for an .834 OPS. For context, Mets infielder Bo Bichette — who is slated to make $42 million this year — had a .840 OPS in 2025. His wRC+ was 134, meaning he was 34% more productive than the average major league hitter. Imagine facing that nine times, but with varying approaches and from both sides of the plate.

“They’re the favorite in this tournament,” said The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal earlier this week on the national baseball podcast “Foul Territory.”

The Dominicans have dominated their way through the tournament so far, outscoring opponents by a combined 51-10. They’ve had two games end early due to the mercy rule, one of them being their 10-0 quarterfinal victory over Korea on Friday evening. But what awaits them Sunday evening is something different. On Sunday, they have to face Skenes.

“That’s what we’re looking forward to,” United States center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said after his team’s quarterfinal victory over Canada on Friday evening. “That’s why we’re throwing Mr. Skenes out there. ... It’s gonna be good.”

Perhaps now is the time to circle back to Skenes’ answer Monday evening.

“I couldn’t care less who I pitch against.”

On the surface, it’s rather simple. But those paying close attention understand the greater depth behind those words.

I don’t think Skenes was lying. Having covered him since he arrived in the major leagues, I truly don’t think he cares who is in the batter’s box. While he acknowledges that some hitters obviously pose a greater challenge than others, to him every opponent is approached with the same level of intensity.

That being said, this type of contest — from the stage to the opponent to what’s at stake — is what competitors like Skenes live for. Before Friday’s spring training contest against the Tigers, Pirates manager Don Kelly was asked if he thinks Skenes is looking forward to potentially facing the Dominican Republic’s loaded lineup.

“I know he would love that,” Skenes’ skipper replied.

While Kelly’s words provided the response, his ear-to-ear grin that followed told the true answer.

Skenes understands that his time on the mound will be limited. DeRosa said Saturday that Skenes is expected to throw 75-80 pitches, 15-20 fewer than the maximum allowed in the WBC semifinal round. You can expect him to make the most out of each one.

From their towering home runs to the 10-foot-high bat flips and exceedingly long trots that follow, the Dominican Republic has made plenty of noise this tournament. Their passion for the game is impossible to ignore — and at least for myself, very easy to admire.

Skenes, however, isn’t one for talking. On Sunday, he will look to silence the loudest — and most lethal — lineup in the world.

____