Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes has endured a difficult season, with reduced fastball velocity, poorer command and a 3.91 ERA after recording ERAs below 2.00 in his previous two campaigns. He believes the World Baseball Classic disrupted his usual pre-season pitching build-up and contributed to his struggles, although he stressed that it was not the only factor.

The tournament ran from 3 to 17 March, when pitchers are typically gradually increasing their effort. Skenes’s average fastball velocity has fallen from 98.8 mph in 2024 and 98.1 mph last season to 96.8 mph this year; mechanical adjustments have not restored it, and he expects an off-season may be needed. The 2025 National League Cy Young winner also suggested other pitchers were affected, while the Pirates hope he returns to form in 2027 despite a potential lockout.