Thu Feb 20 20:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Pirates’ Ace Skenes Adds New Pitches to Already Impressive Arsenal
**BRADENTON, FL** – Pittsburgh Pirates pitching star Paul Skenes, the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, is entering the 2025 season with a refined arsenal. Already boasting a 100+ mph fastball and a devastating splinker, Skenes is adding a cutter and a running two-seam fastball to further enhance his dominance on the mound.
Skenes, who demonstrated his new pitches during a live batting practice session, aims to improve his efficiency in getting batters out. Veteran teammate Adam Frazier, the first batter to face Skenes, attested to the effectiveness of the splinker, describing it as unhittable. Other batters, including Nick Gonzales and Darick Hall, also struggled to make solid contact against the 22-year-old pitcher.
While Skenes emphasizes maintaining his strikeout prowess, he believes the new pitches will allow him to get ahead in counts more quickly. Pitching coach Oscar Marin agrees, stating that the additional options will open up the strike zone for Skenes and make his already exceptional fastball repertoire even more potent.
Despite the high expectations following his record-breaking rookie season, Skenes and his coaching staff are optimistic about the future. While Marin acknowledges matching last year’s performance will be a challenge, he noted that Skenes’ personal expectations may be even higher. The team clearly anticipates another stellar season from their young ace.
First Piper 