Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has quickly established himself as one of the most dominant players in Major League Baseball during his first two seasons. Already the recipient of the NL Rookie of the Year and the NL Cy Young awards, Skenes boasts back-to-back seasons with an earned run average (ERA) below 2.00. His early career performance places him among the most promising pitchers in MLB history.
Manager Don Kelly Highlights Skenes’ Relentless Work Ethic
Despite these achievements, Skenes’ manager, Don Kelly, believes the young ace still has room to grow due to his dedication and commitment. Kelly emphasized Skenes’ daily focus and drive during the Pirates’ spring training, stating,
“I think the thing that stands out with Paul is his consistency, the way that he approaches every single day. He’s always striving to get better. He doesn’t want to be good, he wants to be great…The personal stuff is secondary. Paul Skenes wants to win, and that’s what drives him every single day…Nobody’s gonna push Paul Skenes harder than he pushes himself.”
Skenes’ Continued Improvement Through Strong Sophomore Season
After a phenomenal rookie year, many pitchers face challenges as opposing teams adapt, but Skenes defied expectations. Last season, he dominated Major League Baseball by leading in key pitching metrics, including ERA and fielding independent pitching (FIP). This advancement reinforced his position as arguably the best pitcher in the game.
Expectations for Skenes’ Third Season and Beyond
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Kelly remains optimistic about what Skenes can achieve on the mound. He remarked,
“I think Paul Skenes could do anything on the pitcher’s mound…I’m excited to see what he’s gonna be able to do throughout his career. I think it’s that daily grind, that daily work ethic that is instilled in him that’s going to allow him to be the best…”
With two seasons of experience, Skenes is expected to pitch deeper into games and increase his innings, particularly as the Pirates aim for a playoff push.
Building a Hall of Fame Career at a Young Age
At just 23 years old, Paul Skenes is already laying the groundwork for a Hall of Fame trajectory thanks to his consistent excellence and rigorous approach. As he continues to develop, his Paul Skenes pitching dominance is set to shape the Pirates’ future success and excite fans eager to witness a historic pitching career unfold.
Pirates manager Don Kelly on what 2025 NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes can do to become even more dominant. pic.twitter.com/T26DKHE8C2
— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) February 11, 2026
