Pitcher Paul Skenes had an incredible rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, earning himself the title of National League Rookie of the Year. He boasted a stellar 1.96 ERA, 170 strikeouts in 133 innings, and an impressive 11-3 record in 23 starts. As he gears up for his second season, Skenes knows he must continue to evolve and improve to thrive in the MLB.
During the offseason, Skenes worked on refining his skills and adding new pitches to his arsenal. He has introduced a cutter and a two-seam fastball with tailing action similar to a sinker to keep hitters guessing. This strategic move aims to enhance his pitch selection and create more opportunities for strikeouts.
Skenes expressed his confidence in the changes, stating, “I worked on some stuff during the offseason, honed in on some stuff from last year. I feel like we’re really in a good spot.” His dedication to development and growth is evident as he strives to elevate his game and maintain his success on the mound.
Teammate Adam Frazier had a firsthand experience facing Skenes and noted the challenge of hitting his signature “splinker” pitch. Frazier remarked, “nobody is going to do anything with” it, emphasizing the difficulty batters face against Skenes’ refined repertoire.
Looking ahead, Skenes aims to pitch deeper into games by focusing on efficiency and winning key counts. While he may not reach the 200-inning mark this season, logging 150 to 175 innings is a realistic goal for the Pirates’ ace. Manager Derek Shelton’s cautious approach with Skenes last season will likely continue, ensuring the young pitcher’s longevity and success in the long run.