Paul Skenes’ 2025 Season Closes with Franchise Record for Strikeouts
Pittsburgh Pirates star pitcher Paul Skenes capped off his 2025 season with a historic performance, striking out a franchise-record 216 batters. This feat, achieved in his final scheduled start of the year, marked the culmination of a dominant campaign that saw him post a 1.97 ERA, the second-best in club history. Skenes, 24, delivered seven strikeouts in a 4-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, helping his team secure a 11-inning win. His impressive season performance not only set a new standard for right-handed pitchers in franchise history but also positioned him as one of the most formidable young talents in Major League Baseball.
Despite the Pirates’ overall struggles in 2025, Skenes emerged as a shining light, carrying his team to several key moments in the season. His 216 strikeouts broke the previous record for right-handed pitchers on the team, previously held by Bob Veale and Oliver Perez. The achievement marked a significant milestone for the young pitcher, who has steadily climbed the ranks of the league’s elite pitchers. Skenes’ performance was matched by his impressive statistics, which included an ERA under 2.00—only the second time in Pirates history that a pitcher has achieved this feat. His 1.97 ERA also placed him among the most efficient pitchers in club history.
While the Pirates’ season was marked by inconsistency and frustration, Skenes’ dominance provided a welcome relief. His 216 strikeouts and 1.97 ERA showcased his ability to perform under pressure, particularly as he faced the league’s best teams throughout the year. Notably, Skenes’ success helped him become the youngest pitcher in franchise history to achieve an ERA below 2.00 since Dwight Gooden’s milestone in 1985. His ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout the season underscored his growth as a top-tier prospect in the league.
Manager Don Kelly acknowledged that Skenes’ achievements were a direct result of his relentless preparation and competitive spirit. “There’s going to be a lot of records that Paul Skenes will have as he continues to go throughout his career,” Kelly said. “How he prepares. How he competes. What a start today and what a season he’s had.” These words highlight the confidence the team has in Skenes’ future potential and his role in leading the team to future success. As the Pirates look toward the 2026 season, Skenes’ record-setting performance is expected to serve as a strong foundation for continued growth and excellence.
Although Skenes downplayed his achievements, stating that he was “worse than I was last year” as he noted his ERA was just slightly over 1.96 compared to his 1.97 this year, the impact of his performance is clear. His season has not only elevated his status within the Pirates’ organization but also solidified his place among the top young pitchers in the league. As the team looks to the future, Skenes’ historic 2025 season will be remembered as a landmark moment in franchise history, setting the stage for continued success and innovation at the helm of this storied club.