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Skenes Won't Add New Pitch, Focuses on Refining Existing Arsenal

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 17:58 GMT by Sports Illustrated
      Locales: Pennsylvania, Iowa, UNITED STATES

BRADENTON, FL - February 11, 2026 - Pittsburgh Pirates' highly touted pitching prospect, Paul Skenes, has declared he won't be adding a new pitch to his arsenal as he prepares for his anticipated Major League Baseball debut. Instead, the No. 2 ranked prospect on Baseball America's Top 100 list is laser-focused on honing the pitches he already possesses - a fastball, slider, and changeup - and perfecting his command and deception. This approach, seemingly counterintuitive in an era where pitchers often chase velocity and expanding repertoires, signals a mature and calculated strategy from both the player and the Pirates' coaching staff.

The news, emerging from Tuesday's bullpen session, dismisses speculation that Skenes might attempt to introduce another offering during spring training. Many predicted the 22-year-old, fresh off a dominant run through the minor leagues, would seek to add a curveball or other breaking pitch to keep hitters off balance. However, Skenes believes the path to success lies in mastering what he already does exceptionally well.

"I don't think there's any need to go out there and add something new," Skenes stated. "Just trying to get better at what I do and really just focus on command and deception and all that stuff. I think that's going to be the biggest difference, just getting better and more comfortable with what I've got."

This isn't simply a stubborn refusal to adapt; it's a deliberate strategy endorsed by the Pirates' pitching coach, Matt Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald explained the rationale, emphasizing that Skenes already possesses "elite stuff." Attempting to add another pitch at this stage could dilute his focus and hinder the development of his existing strengths.

"It's a smart approach, to be honest," Fitzgerald said. "It's easy to get caught up in wanting to have more stuff, more pitches, and he's got elite stuff. We're just trying to refine what he's got. It's about working on the little things and trying to maximize his stuff."

Focus on Fundamentals: Fastball Command and Changeup Feel

The refinement process isn't about broad changes, but rather pinpoint adjustments. Skenes is currently concentrating on three key areas: improving fastball command, quickening his delivery, and establishing consistent feel for his changeup. A subtle, yet potentially impactful change, is the implementation of a three-finger grip on his fastball. While seemingly minor, such adjustments can allow for greater control and movement.

Fastball command is consistently cited as the primary separator between good and great pitchers. While velocity is important, the ability to consistently hit locations - the corners of the strike zone, down in the zone, away from the barrel - is what truly frustrates hitters. A quicker delivery, reducing the time batters have to react, will only amplify the effectiveness of his fastball.

However, the changeup presents a unique challenge. Often described as the most difficult pitch to master, a consistently effective changeup can disrupt a hitter's timing and create crucial off-balance swings. Skenes' dedication to improving this pitch suggests a high baseball IQ and understanding of game strategy. The Pirates are clearly recognizing that for a pitcher with Skenes' power, a deceptive changeup could quickly become a devastating weapon.

A Mature Approach from a Rising Star

Fitzgerald praised Skenes' advanced understanding of his own mechanics and approach. "He's a really advanced pitcher," he noted. "He's got a really good understanding of what he's doing. He's in a great spot and we're just trying to build off that." This self-awareness and willingness to trust the coaching staff bodes well for Skenes' future success.

While adding a pitch could broaden his options, it also introduces risk. It takes time and repetition to develop a new pitch to the point where it's consistently reliable in a major league game. Skenes, and the Pirates, appear to be prioritizing immediate impact over long-term potential. This suggests they believe his current repertoire, when refined, is already capable of producing big-league results.

Skenes is widely expected to make his MLB debut sometime in 2026, and anticipation is high in Pittsburgh. Fans are eager to see if this focus on refinement will translate into immediate success. His calculated approach suggests that he's not just a talented pitcher, but a thoughtful and dedicated player poised to make a significant impact on the Pirates' future. The team is aiming to build on a solid foundation rather than risk disrupting a promising prospect with unnecessary complexity.