Paul Skenes raised the bar for Team USA and now these Reds stars must respond

The World Baseball Classic just received a huge shot in the arm on Tuesday with the announcement that Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes will be joining Aaron Judge on Team USA. The WBC's starting rotation was rather woeful in 2023, and the addition of Skenes raises the bar, not just for Team USA, but the other contenders as well. In fact, there's now a handful of Cincinnati Reds players who may need to answer the bell.

The WBC is an international event that brings intrigue, patriotism, and entertainment to the forefront. Team USA lost to Team Japan in the WBC Finals a couple years ago, and will surely have revenge on their mind next spring.

Manager Mark DeRosa has already done a great job of securing one of the best bats and one of the best arms in the game. But as fans know all too well, it takes more than just one or two star players to turn a team into a legitimate contender. Which Reds stars should raise their hands and participate in the 2026 WBC?

Paul Skenes raised the bar for Team USA and now Hunter Greene and these other Reds stars must respond

Hunter Greene, Reds pitcher (USA)

The most obvious player on the Reds roster who should be part of the WBC is Hunter Greene. Can you imagine the 1-2 punch of Skenes and Greene on Team USA? Outside of Team Japan, no other group would have the firepower of Team USA's starting rotation if Greene teamed up with Skenes next spring.

Elly De La Cruz, Reds shortstop (Dominican Republic)

Unfortunately for Team USA, the Dominicans will be a tough opponent during the WBC in 2026. Elly De La Cruz, who was an international signee out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, will almost assuredly be suiting up in the WBC next year. That will spell trouble for Skenes, Judge, and the rest of Team USA.

Noelvi Marte, Reds infielder (Dominican Republic)

Joining De La Cruz on the infield for the Dominican team could, and should be Noelvi Marte. With so many talented Dominican players in Major League Baseball, it's quite possible that Marte would be viewed as more of a reserve and not a starter, but his talent should be enough to warrant inclusion in the WBC.

Luis Mey, Reds pitcher (Dominican Republic)

A surprise name to keep an eye on as the roster begin to form will be Reds reliever Luis Mey. Both Skenes and Greene can bring the heat, but few hurlers in the big leagues possess the type of heater that Mey does. That 100-plus fastball could be devestating at the backend of the Dominican bullpen.

Jacob Hurtubise, Reds outfielder (USA)

Jacob Hurtubise is not a star, but on Team USA, he would be treated as such. A graduate of West Point, it's doubtful that any player in all of MLB would carry the same reverence toward the stars and stripes that Hurtubise would. Skenes, before playing at LSU, pitched for the Air Force Academy and has spoken in the past about his desire to return to the military after his major league career is over.