Paul Skenes showcased his impressive skills during his final pitch of the 2025 season, spinning a bit before wrapping up his magnificent year, which included a recent 4-3 victory for the Pirates in 11 innings against the Reds.
The former top draft pick, after delivering six shutout innings, left the mound with his already stellar record further reinforced, earning him the NL Cy Young Award in his full rookie season.
Skenes boasted a 1.97 ERA, making him the first pitcher qualified to finish a season with an ERA below 2.00 at 23 or younger since Dwight Gooden back in 1985.
“I guess I’m a hundredth worse than last year. I mean, I’m kidding,” he quipped about his 1.96 ERA from the previous season. “Honestly, I didn’t come into this year with numerical targets or anything like that. But this is just what happens when you focus on the right things—maybe it could’ve been lower, or possibly higher… It’s pretty neat to look at.”
Skenes entered MLB with immense anticipation after leading LSU to a national title and being drafted first overall in 2023.
Last year, he held a solid 1.96 ERA with an 11-3 record, also finishing third in Cy Young and earning the NL Rookie of the Year award.
On Wednesday, watching his girlfriend Livvy Dunne from the stands, Skenes struck out seven batters at the Great American Ballpark, surrendering just four hits. Unfortunately, the Pirates’ bullpen failed to maintain a 2-0 lead he provided.
Ultimately, the Pirates clinched the win in extra innings, much to the delight of Mets supporters, while the Dodgers triumphed over the Diamondbacks, securing the final NL playoff berth.
“He’s the best in the world,” said Pirates’ baseman Holwitz. “I’ve said it repeatedly, and he never fails to impress.”
With seven strikeouts in the game, Skenes achieved a new record for strikeouts by a right-handed pitcher for the Pirates, tying for the NL lead and ranking third overall among pitchers.
Opponents hit just .199 against him this season.
After the game, Skenes downplayed his individual achievements, expressing a desire for the Pirates to not just play well but also compete fiercely moving forward. “The main thing for me was wanting to experience this,” he said. “Knowing it’s my last outing for six months makes it tough. It’s something I’ve been anticipating for the past few days.”
