We can all agree—Paul Skenes has taken MLB by storm. The Pirates’ rookie wasted no time making an impact, so much so that he was already in the conversation to start the NL All-Star Game right after his debut. But now, his experimentation with two pitches at the spring training has raised eyebrows, surprising the fans all over. Think that makes sense?

Before we dive into more details, let’s have a look at Paul Skenes’ performance. He made an 11-3 record with a 1.96 ERA in his 23 starts and 170 strikeouts in 133 innings. While he looked quite impressive, speculations mount that he will become better over the years; however, his recent call has surprised a lot of fans, drawing criticism from all over. So what’s the fuss all about?

After a successful 2024 season where he was named to the All-Star team, finished third in the NL CY Young Award, and won the Rookie of the Year, the Pittsburgh Pirates star has shared his interest in experimenting with two new pitches during the spring training at Bradenton, Fla. According to a post on X by Underdog MLB on February 16, Paul Skenes has been experimenting with a cutter and running two seamers. Skenes is a brilliant pitcher armed with six different pitches, and now the addition of two more pitches in his arsenal doesn’t quite make sense. Isn’t it?

Although the batters have got enough time to pay when facing a 100+ mph fastball, in case they get more breaks on pitches, then it’s completely game over. More importantly, Paul Skenes has a sweeper and a slider, and with the sinker, he would like to become more aggressive. Furthermore, having two more pitches could also keep the hitters off-balance, and in addition to that, the triple-digit fastball, slider, sweeper, curveball, and splinter would develop into the best lethal pitches to bat on in major league baseball. Let’s get to view some of the fans’ reactions.

Fans share their responses regarding Skenes’ experimentation with two pitches

The Pittsburgh Pirates’ ace Paul Skenes experimenting with two pitches has garnered a lot of attention from the fans. While some take a humorous dig at this move, others seem not happy with the experimentation. A user compared Paul Skenes’ experimentation with the Avengers’ villain, Thanos, who used a full set of infinity stones to wipe the earth. Similarly, he pointed out how Skenes wanted to get everything, despite being a great pitcher boasting six different pitches.

Paul Skenes, being recognized as one of the best pitchers in MLB, managed to finish third in the 2024 National League CY Young Award, to which a commenter agreed. However, going by the response, the user doesn’t seem satisfied with the young pitcher experimenting with two more pitches, despite being a brilliant pitcher already. Doesn’t really seem great at all, right?

Agreeing with the previous comment, another user on X lambasted him for such a ridiculous move, citing it as a show-off and nothing else. Is it true? Well, yes, to some extent, as with a cutter in himself, Skenes had his slider, still trying to throw it two different ways, which doesn’t make much sense. While the main purpose should have been to become a strike pitch to be more efficient, Skenes chose to do things all at once, and this didn’t go well with the user.

With such experimentation, Paul Skenes looks to be a pitcher who will be impossible to hit, as stated by a fan sarcastically. While Paul Skenese wants to try adding two more pitches to see what happens afterward, the fan believes that the opposing hitters will face challenges against Skenes. In 2024, batters facing Skenes were able to hit just.197, who had a great 33.1 percent strikeout, ranking third among the best-starting pitchers.

Amid Paul Skenes’ experimentation with two pitches getting noticed, in case Skenes’ offseason produces the desired outcomes in 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ owner Bob Nutting may not be able to extend his contract, which will eventually make him a free agent. A user posted on his X handle, citing a chance of Skenes becoming a part of the Yankees. Once he becomes the free agent, the New York Yankees will leave no stone unturned to get him, whom they have been eyeing for some time.

Do you think Paul Skenes’ experimentation will be effective for him as well as for the Pittsburgh Pirates? Do let us know in the comment section below.