Skenes Shines with a New Pitch in Spring Debut
Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes is making waves in the early days of spring training, not just for his dominance but for a new addition to his pitching arsenal. During his impressive debut against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year struck out four batters in just three innings. However, it wasn’t just his strikeouts that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike; it was a single pitch in the third inning—a never-before-seen cutter—that sent the internet into a frenzy. The video clip of the pitch, shared by MLB Network analyst Rob Friedman, quickly went viral, sparking discussions and debates about the wisdom of introducing a new pitch at such a young and successful stage in Skenes’ career.
A Dominant 2024 Season
Skenes’ performance last year was nothing short of extraordinary. At the age of 22, he went 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA, setting a new record for the lowest ERA in a debut season since 1920. His primary pitches were the four-seam fastball (39.2%), sinker (28.4%), curveball (10.8%), sweeper (10.3%), slider (5.9%), and changeup. Skenes’ ability to mix these pitches effectively and consistently baffle opposing batters was a key factor in his success. His fastball, in particular, was a weapon that few could handle, leading many to question why he would need to add yet another pitch to his repertoire.
The Debate Over the New Cutter
The introduction of the cutter has not been met with uniform approval. MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds voiced his concerns on Monday morning, raising a valid point about the necessity of such a move. "I don’t get it," Reynolds said. "Did you see what he did last year? Did Randy Johnson or Nolan Ryan need a new pitch? Or anyone who has dominated throughout history?" Reynolds’ skepticism is rooted in the historical precedent of pitchers who have achieved greatness without continually tinkering with their pitches. He also expressed concern over the potential strain on Skenes’ arm, a common issue with pitchers who add new pitches, especially cutters. "A lot of times, guys end up throwing a cutter, or something like that, and next thing you know they’re finding some tightness. When you’re as dominant as he is at this early age, they can’t hit his fastball… I don’t think you need to tinker," Reynolds added.
The Evolution of a Pitcher
For Skenes, the decision to add a cutter is less about fixing something that isn’t broken and more about continuous improvement. In a recent interview, he explained, "I’ve always been one to embrace new challenges and techniques. My four-seam fastball and sinker were my bread and butter last year, but I saw room for growth. The cutter gives me an extra element of deception and movement, which can be crucial in the later innings when batters start to adjust." Skenes’ mindset reflects a modern approach to sports, where athletes are constantly looking for ways to stay ahead of the competition. While his 2024 performance was stellar, he believes that adding a cutter can make him even more effective, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The reaction from fans has been predominantly positive, with many expressing awe at Skenes’ potential to become even more dominant. Social media platforms were flooded with comments and reactions, praising his innovation and drive to improve. "If it’s not broken, why fix it?" one fan wrote. "But if it can be even better, why not try?" Others, however, echoed Reynolds’ concerns, warning that adding a new pitch could lead to overuse and increase the risk of injury. Analysts, too, are divided. Some see the cutter as a natural evolution, given Skenes’ track record and the demands of professional baseball. Others, like Reynolds, believe that his current arsenal is more than sufficient for continued success.
Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Paul Skenes to see how his new pitch integrates into his existing repertoire. The Pirates’ coaching staff is closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that the addition of the cutter does not compromise his health or performance. For Skenes, the goal is clear: to leverage his new pitch to extend his dominance and help the Pirates achieve greater success. The young pitcher is well aware of the risks but is confident that the benefits will outweigh them. "I’ll take it one day at a time," he said. "If it helps me, and if it helps the team, it will be worth it." The coming months will reveal whether Skenes’ decision to add a cutter was a masterstroke or a misstep, but for now, the baseball world is eagerly watching and waiting.
