Pirates' Paul Skenes Surpasses 200 Strikeouts in MLB Season

Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates' ace and 2023 No. 1 overall MLB draft pick, has reached a milestone by surpassing 200 strikeouts this season, becoming only the eighth pitcher in Pirates history to do so. Through 178 innings in 2025, he leads the National League with a 1.92 ERA and ranks third in MLB strikeouts, trailing only Garrett Crochet and Tarik Skubal. Skenes achieved this feat while delivering a dominant five-inning, two-hit, scoreless outing against the Baltimore Orioles, striking out eight batters and reaching 203 strikeouts for the season. His career numbers are historic, boasting the lowest ERA in the live ball era through 52 starts and being the only player since 1901 with over 350 strikeouts and a sub-2.00 ERA through 53 games. Despite the Pirates' ongoing struggles, with a guaranteed seventh consecutive below-.500 season, Skenes remains a bright spot and a cornerstone for the franchise’s future. Team management is carefully monitoring his workload to ensure health and longevity as he continues to build a strong Cy Young Award candidacy.