Manny Barreda Set to Face Paul Skenes in Crucial WBC Matchup

HOUSTON – When the schedules for the 2026 World Baseball Classic were announced, all eyes turned to Group B at Houston’s Daikin Park, specifically the highly anticipated game between Mexico and the United States. Following Mexico’s dominant 16-0 victory over Brazil on Sunday, the stage is set for a clash of titans, with both teams entering the game with a perfect 2-0 record.

The United States secured victories against Brazil (15-5 on Friday) and Great Britain (9-1 on Saturday), while Mexico defeated Great Britain (8-2 on Friday) before overpowering Brazil on Sunday. Groups A (San Juan, presented by Discover Puerto Rico), B (Houston), and D (Miami, presented by Capital One) are all vying for a spot in the quarterfinals.

A Three-Team Race

While Monday’s game doesn’t necessarily guarantee a spot in the quarterfinals for either team, it has become a pivotal matchup in a tight race between Mexico, the United States, and Italy, all boasting 2-0 records. One team will inevitably fall behind. However, a win on Monday will secure a place in the next round.

“We’re excited. I think they (the U.S.) are excited,” said Mexico’s manager, Benjamín Gil. “At the end of the day, it’s become a rivalry when it shouldn’t be. Maybe their rival should be Japan, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico. But it’s become a rivalry because we’ve had success.”

He continued, “And credit to the ‘ugly duckling,’ which is Mexico, that maybe never should have been their rival. But we’ve made it so by doing our job on the field.”

Mexico’s Recent Success Against the US

Indeed, Mexico has defeated the United States in three of the last four Classic tournaments, including an impressive 11-5 victory in 2023 at Chase Field in Phoenix. Monday’s game will add another chapter to this growing rivalry, but with a significant pitching contrast.

The U.S. will send star right-hander Paul Skenes to the mound, the 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner making his World Baseball Classic debut. For Mexico, Manny Barreda will start, in what is expected to be a bullpen game for Gil’s squad.

A positive for Mexico from their 5.2-inning victory over Brazil on Sunday is that they didn’t have to use their top relievers, such as Robert García, Victor Vodnik, Luis Gastélum, and closer Andrés Muñoz. All will be well-rested with two days of recovery.

“We’re excited to play against another great team,” Gil stated. “And we know they are great. But we’re going to try to be a little bit better. Even if we win by half a run, we’ll take it.”

Skenes Eager to Debut

Skenes is looking forward to taking the mound for the United States for the first time in his young career. “Obviously, it’s going to be a great atmosphere,” Skenes said. “The biggest thing will be going out there and executing. So, I’m looking forward to it.”

DeRosa’s Comments and Gil’s Response

Last week, U.S. manager Mark DeRosa suggested that his team boasts “the best 30 players” in the world, implying that the Mexican starter didn’t concern him. When asked about this comment after the win over Brazil, Gil responded with his characteristic style.

“He’s right, that he doesn’t care who opens for us,” Gil said. “And I’m right in that I don’t care who opens for them. What does it matter? It’s an American pitcher against a Mexican pitcher. We’re going to play against each other.”

“Do they have the best 30 players in the world? I think the Dominican Republic has something to say about that. I think Japan has something to say about that. I don’t know if they have the best 30 players. I think the Dominican Republic would raise their hand very quickly. I think Japan would raise their hand very quickly. I think Venezuela would raise their hand very quickly.”

“Maybe they are the best players in the world. We just have to be the best players that day. They are a super team. They have a roster full of star players, players who go to the All-Star Game, MVP candidates, Cy Young candidates, Gold Gloves, Silver Bats… but this game is about winning a game, and we’re going to go out there and give it our best. If they catch up to us, great. If they don’t catch up to us, we’re going to give it our best.”

A strong Mexican presence is expected at Daikin Park in Texas. “The Mexican public always shows up,” said outfielder Alek Thomas, who hit a home run against Brazil on Sunday. “It’s going to be electric.”

Gil added: “It’s a hot ticket, considered a sporting event, not just a baseball event, not just a game. It’s one of the most anticipated baseball events of the year.”

You can find more information about the World Baseball Classic at MLB.com.