Paul Skenes made his 2025 spring training debut for the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing a run but showing signs of the dominance that earned him the National League Rookie of the Year title last season. In a Grapefruit League game against the Baltimore Orioles, Skenes struck out four batters in three innings, giving up one run on four hits. He showcased his new pitches, a cutter and sinker, in addition to his usual arsenal.
Skenes expressed his focus on refining his new pitches and getting them in the strike zone during post-game interviews. The right-hander was set to pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in his next spring training outing, indicating a potentially larger pitch count and more opportunities to work on his new offerings compared to his rookie season.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton acknowledged the shift in approach for Skenes this year, emphasizing the development of his pitch variety. Skenes himself aimed for more efficiency on the mound, despite a slightly higher pitch count in his first inning of work due to experimentation with his cutter and sinker.
Last season, Skenes established himself as a top pitcher in the Pirates’ rotation, finishing with impressive stats and earning recognition as the ace of the team. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft has quickly risen through the ranks to become a key player for Pittsburgh.