Maybe The WBC Cursed The Red Asses Of Team USA
Defector • • sports
Key Points:
- Team USA's disappointing performance and negative atmosphere in the March World Baseball Classic (WBC) contrasted sharply with the event's usual lighthearted nationalism and fun spirit.
- Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year and 2025 Cy Young winner, struggled this season, citing his WBC participation as a disruption to his usual offseason preparation and mechanical consistency.
- Despite a rough 2026 campaign marked by a higher ERA and diminished fastball velocity, Skenes remains optimistic about regaining form with normal offseason adjustments.
- Other Team USA players have had mixed MLB seasons post-WBC, with some excelling while others, like Gunnar Henderson and Cal Raleigh, underperformed, suggesting lingering negative effects from the WBC experience.
- The article underscores the importance of "vibe hygiene" and cautions players to weigh the potential personal and professional costs of WBC participation despite its prestige.
