Paul Skenes Shines in Spring Debut with New Pitches and Big Potential

Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes took the mound for his first Grapefruit League outing of 2025 on Saturday, giving fans and opponents alike a glimpse of his evolving skill set. The 22-year-old right-hander, coming off a dazzling Rookie of the Year campaign, used the game to test an expanded arsenal that now includes a cutter and a running two-seam fastball alongside his already dominant four-seamer. Facing the Baltimore Orioles, Skenes delivered three innings of promising work, striking out four while surrendering four hits, one walk, and a single run in a 5-2 Pirates victory.
​
Post-game reflections to SportsNet Pittsburgh and other outlets revealed Skenes’ confidence in his new tools. “You’ve just got to mix it in,” he said, hinting at the learning curve but expressing optimism with, “It’s going to be good, I think.” Building on his 2024 breakout—where he posted an 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings—the No. 1 pick from the 2023 draft continues to refine his game. After leading LSU to a College World Series title that year, Skenes is cementing his status as a cornerstone for Pittsburgh, and this spring debut suggests he’s only getting started.