Paul Skenes' refusal to take accountability is becoming impossible to defend

As Paul Skenes keeps reminding us, it’s been a “weird year.” That response, however accurate, is getting old for Pirates fans and media. The young ace is known for his poise and calm demeanor, but it’s time for the 24-year-old to exhibit more transparency and accountability.

Skenes’ once-blistering fastball has been at the center of the concerns about his season. He doesn’t seem to be able to dial up the velocity, and the slower his fastball, the harder he’s getting hit. Troublingly, he hasn’t thrown a 98+ mph fastball in his past four starts. He has a 5.40 ERA in that span. The Pirates were able to pick up wins in two of those games thanks to a combined 21 runs.

To Skenes’ credit, the underlying metrics on his fastball aren’t that different from his 2025 Cy Young campaign. Batting average, slugging percentage, and whiff rate are all within a few points of last year’s marks. In fact, the hard-hit rate on his four-seamer is lower than last season.

So Skenes’ suggestion of weirdness isn’t exactly caginess, but given his fall from superhuman status, a better response would humbly acknowledge his troubles and point to changes he is willing to make.

Paul Skenes could make up for his on-field challenges with more off-field transparency

In good times, Skenes has been extremely forthcoming regarding his process and development. It’s hard to believe the pitcher that chalked up an abysmal outing while the Pirates make a playoff push to “sloppiness” is the same guy who has won admirers for his intellectual approach to pitching.

The change in attitude may, in and of itself, be part of the problem. Perhaps Skenes can’t comment on what he’s wrong because he can’t figure out what’s wrong.

Beginning with his next start Wednesday against a divisional opponent in the Milwaukee Brewers, Skenes has an opportunity to demonstrate not only his baseball acumen, but also his character. Everyone knows he’s one of the hardest working players in the sport. It would be useful and welcome for the fans to gain an understanding of exactly what he’s working on in order to turn the page on his rough stretch.

A little transparency will only win more support for Pirates fans.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow