We're not sure it's possible for Skenes to get any nastier on the mound, but he's certainly trying as he experiments with a two-seamer and a cutter.

Pirates' Paul Skenes faced live batters for the first time this spring, and it only illuminated how much has changed in one year.

Derek Shelton hypes up the Pirates as they prepare to push for the postseason in 2025 behind the elite play of Paul Skenes.

Who ends up taking the ball on Opening Day feels like a foregone conclusion for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Still, the Pirates haven't made an official decision ye

Pitcher Paul Skenes had an outstanding first season for the Pittsburgh Pirates, winning National League Rookie of the Year honors with a 1.96 ERA, 170 strikeouts in 133 innings, and an 11-3 record in 23 starts.

That's because Skenes is looking to add a cutter and two-seam fastball to a nasty repertoire that already includes his signature "splinker" (splitter-sinker hybrid) pitch and traditional four-seam fastball that tops out at over 100 mph.

After a dominant first MLB season that saw him start the All-Star Game, finish third in the National League CY Young award voting, and win NL Rookie of the Year, Paul Skenes isn't resting on his laurels.

Getting that amount of run on your pitch is crazy, especially when you regularly throw 100 mph like Skenes does.