The offseason for teams that missed the playoffs is winding down, with just 1.5 months left until pitchers and catchers report for spring training. Among those preparing for the upcoming season is Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, who recently showcased his skills on the mound. The official MLB account shared a video of Skenes pitching, where he predominantly threw fastballs, though radar gun readings were not available.
Skenes concluded his rookie season impressively, boasting an 11-3 record and a remarkable 1.96 ERA. He struck out 170 batters over 133 innings, establishing himself as a formidable ace for the Pirates. As the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes made a significant impact during his debut in early May, following only a few minor league appearances.
With Skenes and fellow pitcher Jared Jones leading the charge, there is newfound optimism among Pirates fans for the future. Skenes not only earned a spot in the National League All-Star Game but also secured the National League Rookie of the Year Award and was a finalist for the prestigious Cy Young Award, which ultimately went to Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. Despite these individual accolades, the Pirates struggled as a team, finishing last in the National League Central while the Milwaukee Brewers claimed the division title.
