Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes was the definition of consistency over his first two MLB seasons, posting a 1.96 ERA as a rookie and a 1.97 ERA last year.
The 2026 campaign, on the other hand, has been a rollercoaster for the reigning NL Cy Young winner, starting with his career-worst outing on Opening Day. His velocity dipped and the Pirates lost nine straight starts from him at one point as he entered the All-Star Break with a relatively disappointing 3.57 ERA.
Skenes hasn't been bad, as he still made his third All-Star team and boasts elite peripherals. He hasn't been himself, but he didn't sound worried about it at the All-Star Game in Philadelphia this week.
"I don’t think velocity is something I need to pitch well,” Skenes said via MLB.com. “I think it’s probably the first time in my career the velo has kinda dipped. It’s not something that I’m stressed over at all. I’m healthy. I’m feeling good and still pitching at a high level.”
Skenes has gotten a bit unlucky, as his 3.57 ERA is considerably higher than his 2.88 FIP and 2.72 xERA. His 66.3 percent strand rate is the lowest of his career and well below the MLB average.
“It was a really interesting first half, because I don’t think I’ve thrown the ball poorly,” Skenes said. “But obviously some numbers look different. The strikeout rate is in a very good spot. The walk rate is in a good spot. Not giving up hard contact consistently. For whatever reason, the ERA is a little higher. Not something I’m losing any sleep over. It’s just been kind of a weird first half in that sense.”
With the Pirates in the playoff hunt thanks to their elite offense, they'll need Skenes to step up in the second half if they want to make the postseason. He knows he's capable of more and views his struggles as a learning experience.
“Probably a B,” Skenes said of his disjointed first half. “Not terrible. Could have been better. I think I’ve learned a lot. Interesting first half.”