BRADENTON, Fla. — Paul Skenes embarked on his rookie year with the Pittsburgh Pirates adhering closely to a carefully constructed strategy aimed at easing the young pitcher into the majors.
This approach yielded exceptional results, surpassing the expectations of many during a thrilling 2024 season. Skenes not only started in the All-Star Game but also walked away with the National League Rookie of the Year title, swiftly establishing himself as one of the most promising new talents in the sport.
As he reported for his second spring training this week, Skenes approached the experience with newfound confidence and some exciting developments in his pitching skills.
The 22-year-old is currently experimenting with a cutter and a running two-seam fastball, adding to his impressive arsenal that already features a four-seam fastball exceeding 100 mph, along with a “splinker”—a pitch that emerged as one of the most effective strikeout tools in the league last season.
“I’m aiming to create more swing decisions,” Skenes shared.
Or perhaps, non-decisions from hitters. Veteran second baseman Adam Frazier, recently reunited with the Pirates, stepped up to face Skenes for a live batting practice session. The first pitch he was given was the impressive splinker, which darted sharply down and away, making it impossible for Frazier to even make an attempt at a swing. “No one’s hitting that,” Frazier remarked.
“If you do hit it, you’re hitting it straight into the ground,” he further explained, gearing himself up for the unique challenge Skenes presents.
During a 25-pitch session attended by several fans eager to see Skenes in action, Frazier, along with Nick Gonzales and Darick Hall, struggled to connect solidly with the pitches. Skenes acknowledged the attention he draws as a “privilege,” even as he maintains that honing his craft remains his primary focus. Despite his standout performance last year, Skenes recognizes that he still has room for growth after just 23 starts in the major leagues.
His rookie statistics—an 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings—are certainly impressive, yet he insists this is just the beginning of his journey.
In pursuit of greater efficiency, Skenes remains committed to his identity as a strikeout pitcher but is seeking ways to expedite that process. “I need to win those early counts—0-0, 0-1, 1-1,” he asserted.
To achieve this, he understands the importance of diversifying his pitch options. “Anything that looks like a fastball but isn’t really a fastball helps,” said pitching coach Oscar Marin. He believes that expanding Skenes’ pitches could significantly broaden the strike zone he can command.
A noticeable sense of calm surrounds Skenes this year, a stark contrast to his rookie training camp when he was simply trying to secure a place on the roster. Although he didn’t make the team initially, that decision was part of the strategy to nurture his development rather than rush him into the spotlight.
Skenes recalls, “They managed my progression well last year.” He admits, despite his frustration at the time, it was ultimately the right call.
This year, he is almost guaranteed a spot while attending camp with expectations of higher stakes. He is contemplating whether he might be named the opening day starter, something he thinks would be an exciting accomplishment. With the Pirates aiming for an upswing in their competitive prospects, plenty rides on his shoulders.
Recognizing the impact of his performance, Skenes is intent on assuming a more significant leadership role in the team this season.
There are small signs of this new approach as he engages with support staff, speaks with fellow players like veteran Mitch Keller, and radiates the swagger that’s accompanied him throughout his career.
While he is unsure of his exact speed during practice, he humorously suggested it was above 94 mph, implying others would have noticed if it were less.
Given the current buzz surrounding Skenes and his future, optimism prevails among his coaches and teammates. Marin underscores that replicating the success of Skenes’ rookie year will be challenging, but he acknowledges that this is now the standard they expect.
The expectation from the team is clear, though Skenes himself likely has even loftier aspirations. “His expectations certainly surpass mine,” Marin noted, adding. “And that’s what sets him apart.”
Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes aims to enhance his impressive skill set in his second year.
