Local fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates are hearing an honest assessment from their ace right‑hander, Paul Skenes. The 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner told the Post‑Gazette that the World Baseball Classic, which ran from March 3 to March 17, likely contributed to the dip in his fastball velocity and overall command this season.
Season‑long impact of a brief tournament
Skenes, who posted ERAs of 1.97 and 1.96 in his first two seasons, is currently sitting at a 3.91 ERA. While he stopped short of blaming the entire season on the Classic, he explained that pitchers typically use the early‑year window to “ramp up” and that the tournament’s schedule meant many were not throwing at maximum effort.
“Usually, that time of year, you’re kind of ramping up and it’s a little bit slow. You can kind of get onto the slope and find your body,” Skenes said. “One live (batting practice), you’re topping at 97 mph, and then the next you’re 98, 99. And that wasn’t the case this year. … Looking back, I don’t think that really helped.”
Numbers tell the story
During his rookie campaign in 2024, Skenes averaged 98.8 mph on his fastball. Last season, that average slipped slightly to 98.1 mph. This year, his fastball sits at about 96.8 mph, a noticeable decline for a pitcher whose success has hinged on elite velocity.
He also noted that early‑season outings were solid despite the slower fastball, but the lack of a consistent speed ceiling has made it harder to dominate hitters as he once did.
Looking ahead
Skenes admitted that regaining his previous velocity may require an offseason of focused work. “Unfortunately, it’s probably going to take an offseason to get it back,” he said. “Yeah, it’s just tough.” He added that he does not believe he is the only pitcher feeling the after‑effects of the Classic, suggesting a broader impact on the league’s early‑season pitching landscape.
The Pirates remain hopeful that Skenes can rebound in 2027 and help the team push for a postseason berth, assuming the looming lockout is resolved and a full season proceeds.
What this means for Pirates fans
For the city of Pittsburgh, the news underscores the challenges of balancing international competition with the demands of a grueling MLB schedule. While the World Baseball Classic offers players a chance to represent their countries, the tournament’s timing can disrupt the usual preparation rhythm for pitchers like Skenes.
Fans can take some comfort in the fact that Skenes is aware of the issue and is already planning to address it. His willingness to speak candidly about the dip in performance reflects a commitment to transparency and improvement—qualities that resonate with the community’s love for hard work and perseverance.
As the Pirates navigate the remainder of a tough season, the focus will shift to how quickly Skenes can regain his elite velocity and whether the team can capitalize on his talent when he returns to form.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
