Paul Skenes Poised to Elevate Pirates with Expanded Pitching Arsenal

The reigning NL Rookie of the Year is refining his game with two new pitches and preparing for a potential Opening Day start.

Paul Skenes, the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year, is adding a cutter and a two-seam fastball to his already dominant repertoire, which includes a 100 mph fastball and his signature 'splinker.'
Skenes aims to improve pitch efficiency by increasing first-strike percentages and finishing batters earlier in counts, building on his 1.96 ERA and 33% strikeout rate from last season.
The 22-year-old is expected to be the Pirates' youngest-ever Opening Day starter, following a historic rookie season that included finishing third in Cy Young voting and starting the All-Star Game.
During spring training, Skenes showcased his elite pitching against teammate Adam Frazier, leaving him impressed and underscoring Skenes' ability to challenge even seasoned hitters.
As the centerpiece of the Pirates' rotation, Skenes is seen as a key figure in revitalizing the team's success and energizing the Pittsburgh fanbase after years of struggles.