Pirates' Paul Skenes Sets MLB Strikeout Record with Historic Sub-2.00 ERA Season

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes concluded the 2025 MLB season with historic achievements despite the team's overall struggles. In his final start, he pitched six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts, finishing the year with a 1.97 ERA, 216 strikeouts, and a 10-10 win-loss record. Skenes set the Pirates franchise record for most strikeouts by a right-handed pitcher in a single season and became the first MLB pitcher since 1913 to have over 200 strikeouts with a sub-2.00 ERA yet not have a winning record. At 23 years old, he is the youngest pitcher since Dwight Gooden in 1985 to post a sub-2.00 ERA, and his performance places him among the best pitchers in MLB history. Despite his individual success, the Pirates continue to struggle as a team, underscoring the need for added talent to support Skenes and potentially build a competitive roster around him. His 2025 campaign solidifies his status as a front-runner for the National League Cy Young Award and marks a remarkable start to his career.