Paul Skenes Blames World Baseball Classic for Velocity Drop in Down Season
Published · Updated
Cited: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report
TL;DR
91 ERA and 192 strikeouts.
Why now
Skenes' comments come as the Pirates were eliminated from playoff contention, highlighting how a disrupted spring training due to the WBC may have cost them a postseason berth.
Agree / conflict
While Skenes points to the WBC, other pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto thrived after the same event, suggesting individual preparation and mechanics also matter.
Takeaway
Expect Skenes to rebound in 2027 with a normal offseason, but the WBC's impact on pitcher buildup remains a valid concern for teams and fantasy managers.
Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young winner, has attributed his down 2026 season to pitching in the World Baseball Classic. The 24-year-old Pirates ace saw his average fastball velocity drop from 98.2 mph to 96.8 mph, and he endured a 14-start stretch with a 5.18 ERA. Skenes told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the WBC interrupted his usual spring training ramp-up, preventing him from gradually building arm strength. Despite the struggles, he still struck out 192 batters in 168 innings and posted a 3.91 ERA, but the Pirates missed the playoffs. Skenes believes a full offseason will allow him to regain his elite velocity, and with no WBC in 2027, he is expected to bounce back.
FAQ
Did Paul Skenes get injured in 2026?
No. The Pirates confirmed there was no known injury. Skenes' struggles were attributed to mechanical issues and a disrupted spring training buildup due to the World Baseball Classic.
How much did Skenes' velocity drop?
His average fastball velocity fell from 98.2 mph in 2025 to 96.8 mph in 2026. He did not throw a single 100 mph pitch for the first time in his three MLB seasons.
Will Skenes regain his velocity?
Skenes believes it will take a full offseason to get back to his usual velocity. With no WBC in 2027, he can follow a normal spring training ramp-up.
How did the Pirates perform in 2026?
The Pirates finished 79-77, their best record since 2018, but were eliminated from postseason contention. Skenes' down year was a key reason they missed the playoffs.
Sources
Canonical URL: /trend/2026/paul-skenes-blames-world-baseball-classic-for-velocity-drop-in-down-season
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