Paul Skenes Named NL Outstanding Pitcher After Dominant Sophomore Season
- Steel Valley Sports
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
By Eddie Kahl | Steel Valley Sports
Photography by Eddie Kahl
PITTSBURGH — Even in a season where wins were hard to come by for the Pittsburgh Pirates, one player made sure the franchise stayed in the national spotlight.Right-hander Paul Skenes has been named the National League Outstanding Pitcher of the Year by the MLB Players Association, capping off a sophomore season that solidified his place among baseball’s elite arms.
A Season of Dominance
At just 23 years old, Skenes continues to live up to the enormous expectations that followed him from LSU to the big leagues. In 2025, the former No. 1 overall pick delivered one of the most dominant campaigns in recent Pirates history — a 1.97 ERA, 216 strikeouts, and only 187⅔ innings pitched across 32 starts.
While Pittsburgh struggled offensively, finishing with its seventh straight losing season, Skenes was a constant source of excellence and professionalism. Time and again, he gave the Pirates a chance to win, even when run support wasn’t there.
Respect From His Peers
The Players Choice Awards, voted on by fellow major leaguers, carry a unique weight because they reflect recognition from those who face you on the field.Skenes’ honor as NL Outstanding Pitcher places him in rare company — one pitcher from each league is chosen annually for the award.
The Pirates congratulated their ace on social media, writing:
“The best on the bump! Congrats to Paul Skenes on being named the @MLBPA Players Choice Awards NL Outstanding Pitcher of the Year.”
A Bright Future Despite Tough Seasons
For the Pirates, Skenes represents more than a bright spot — he’s the foundation of whatever’s coming next. His consistency, work ethic, and competitive edge have already made him a clubhouse leader.
Even without the postseason spotlight, Skenes’ numbers rank alongside some of the most dominant second-year pitchers in recent history. His 1.97 ERA is the lowest by a National League starter under 25 since Clayton Kershaw’s breakout 2011 season.
As Pittsburgh looks ahead to 2026, Skenes gives the city something real to believe in — proof that the rebuild might finally have its cornerstone.
