Scouting Report: Paul Skenes

Summary

Paul Skenes, 23-year-old Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed starting pitcher and defending NL Cy Young Award winner, is performing at an elite level in 2026. In his recent starts against the Colorado Rockies (May 12) and Arizona Diamondbacks (May 6), Skenes has been dominant: 8 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 10 K vs. Rockies; 8 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 7 K vs. Diamondbacks. His season ERA stands at 1.98 with a 0.53 WHIP and 31 K%. Since his Opening Day outlier performance, Skenes has posted a 1.31 ERA over his last 7 starts with 45 strikeouts in 41.1 innings. He has won 5 games already in 2026 (compared to not reaching 5 wins until July 21 in 2025), and the Pirates are 5-3 in his 8 starts. Skenes demonstrates exceptional control, pinpoint accuracy, and continues to improve his pitch execution and location.