Paul Skenes of Pittsburgh Pirates Secures New All-Star Honor

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has been recognized for his outstanding performance during the 2025 MLB season. Named a starting pitcher for the National League in the Sporting News All-Star Team, Skenes continues to solidify his position among the elite players in baseball.

Paul Skenes: A Stellar Season

Despite a .500 record of 10 wins and 10 losses across 32 starts, Skenes showcased exceptional skills throughout the season. He finished with a remarkable 1.97 ERA over 187.2 innings, recording 216 strikeouts against 42 walks. His performance included a .199 opposing batting average and a 0.95 WHIP, demonstrating his effectiveness on the mound.

Leading MLB Statistics

• Lowest ERA in MLB
• Tied for fourth most strikeouts (216)
• Fourth lowest WHIP (0.95)
• Sixth lowest opposing batting average
• Tenth most innings pitched (187.2)
• Fifth best K/BB ratio (5.14)
• Seventh best K/9 ratio (10.36)
• Ninth best BB/9 ratio (2.01)

In the National League, Skenes ranked among the top pitchers, achieving the lowest WHIP and fourth lowest batting average against. He also pushed for accolades with his performance in strikeouts and innings pitched.

Historic Achievements

Skenes is on track to win the National League Cy Young Award, aiming to be the first Pirates pitcher honored since Doug Drabek in 1990. He would be only the third player in franchise history to receive this honor.

Alongside his potential award, Skenes made notable history this season:

• First NL pitcher with a sub-2.00 ERA and 200+ strikeouts since Jacob deGrom in 2018.
• First MLB pitcher with a sub-2.00 ERA and over 200 strikeouts without a winning record, a rarity since 1913.
• Youngest qualified pitcher (under 23) to achieve a sub-2.00 ERA since Dwight Gooden in 1985.
• Holds the record for the most strikeouts by a right-handed pitcher in the live-ball era for the Pirates.

A Legacy in the Making

In addition to breaking records, Skenes has quickly become a staple in All-Star history. He is the first pitcher since Hideo Nomo in 1995 to start consecutive All-Star Games within his first two seasons. His contributions have also placed him alongside Pirates legends, becoming one of only two pitchers in franchise history to earn consecutive All-Star honors.

Paul Skenes’ impressive 2025 season has not only garnered attention but has also etched his name in the annals of Pittsburgh Pirates history. As he paves the way for future accomplishments, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate his next moves on the mound.