BRADENTON, Fla. — Paul Skenes has embraced the plans set forth by the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing for a careful and strategic introduction during his rookie year.
Following those guidelines paid off tremendously, with Skenes emerging as a standout player this past season. The 2024 campaign saw him start in the All-Star Game and secure the National League Rookie of the Year title, establishing himself as one of the most promising young talents in baseball in recent years.
As Skenes returns for his second spring training, he arrives with a newfound sense of agency that he didn’t have last year, and he’s also bringing a few new pitches to his already impressive toolbox.
At just 22 years old, the pitcher is experimenting with a cutter and a running two-seam fastball, which will complement his impressive four-seam fastball that can exceed 100 mph and a devastating “splinker” that proved highly effective over the course of the past season.
“I’m aiming to create more challenging swing decisions for batters,” Skenes explained.
During a recent live batting practice session, veteran second baseman Adam Frazier took the initiative to be the first batter to face Skenes. The left-handed hitter witnessed a splinker that broke sharply while hitting the outside corner of the strike zone, resulting in his bat remaining still as the pitch flew past him. Frazier remarked that it was a strike that “nobody is going to do anything with” and added that even if one did make contact, it would likely just ground into the soil.
Throughout a 25-pitch demonstration in front of a gathering of fans eager to witness Skenes in 2025, Frazier, along with teammates Nick Gonzales and Darick Hall, struggled to make solid contact. Skenes has learned to view the attention he garners as “a privilege,” but he remains focused on his craft rather than the spotlight his success brings.
Despite an exceptional rookie year, with an 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings, Skenes acknowledges that he still has much room for growth after only 23 starts in the majors.
While he hasn’t abandoned his identity as a strikeout pitcher, Skenes is determined to become more efficient in achieving those strikeouts. “It’s vital to win the early counts and get ahead,” he commented. The addition of new pitches aims to help him maintain that momentum and throw off hitters with different looks.
Pirates pitching coach Oscar Marin emphasized the significance of expanding Skenes’ options, saying, “Anything that mimics a fastball but is different will be beneficial.” He noted that enhancing Skenes’ repertoire could greatly open up the strike zone for him.
Skenes has a much more relaxed demeanor this spring compared to his rookie season when he felt the pressure of making the club. Initially, he wasn’t included on the opening roster, but that decision was part of a larger strategy to develop him gradually. Looking back, Skenes acknowledges the sense of frustration but understands that the team’s approach was wise.
This year, Skenes is assured a spot on the Pirates’ roster as they prepare for the season. The significant questions that remain revolve around whether he will take the mound as the opening day starter—something Skenes would find “really cool”—and if the Pirates are poised to make strides in their performance despite having a quiet offseason.
Recognizing that his contributions at the top of the rotation are crucial, Skenes is also ready to embrace more of a leadership role this year. Observing his interactions on the practice field, it’s clear he’s stepping up; he was seen connecting with staff and making an effort to walk alongside veteran pitcher Mitch Keller as they exited practice.
The nerves he experienced in 2024 have faded, replaced by a confident swagger and nuanced experience. Although he wasn’t tracking his speed during practice, Skenes confidently remarked that he likely exceeded 94 mph, humorously noting that if he hadn’t, it might raise some eyebrows.
At this moment, questions surrounding Skenes are overshadowed by anticipation and optimism for what he can achieve moving forward. Marin recognized the challenge in repeating the successful rookie season but noted that the expectations for Skenes are just as high from the team’s perspective. It’s implied that Skenes himself is aiming for even greater accomplishments.
“It’s clear that his benchmarks are likely set higher,” Marin reflected. “That’s just part of what makes him exceptional.”
