Paul Skenes Aims for Improved Efficiency in Year 2 with Pirates

Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, is preparing for his second season with the Pittsburgh Pirates after an impressive debut in 2024, where he recorded an 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA. During live batting practice, he showcased his new pitch additions, including a sinker and cutter, aimed at improving his efficiency on the mound. Skenes acknowledges that he is not a finished product and aims to take on a leadership role within the Pirates' young rotation. The team is optimistic about his performance as they look to improve on their 76-86 record from last season. Skenes expressed confidence in his preparation and is focused on building on last year's success without the restrictions he faced previously. As he aims to enhance his strikeout capability while reducing early counts, the Pirates look to Skenes as a key component in their quest for postseason contention.