Paul Skenes addresses velocity drop, calls first half 'weird'

Paul Skenes called his first half of the 2026 season 'weird' but remains unfazed by concerns over his velocity drop. The Pirates ace addressed questions about his performance at the MLB All-Star Game, emphasizing his trust in the process.

What’s behind the velocity dip?

Skenes’ fastball velocity has dropped from 98.8 mph as a rookie to 96.6 mph this season. However, he insists it’s not a concern. 'I don’t think velocity is something I need to pitch well,' he said. Opponents are hitting just .195 against his four-seamer, the best mark of his career.

Why the ERA discrepancy?

Despite a 3.57 ERA, Skenes’ expected ERA is 2.71, suggesting bad luck and defensive issues. His strikeout rate (29.5%) and walk rate (5.5%) remain strong. 'I don’t think I’ve thrown the ball poorly,' he said, pointing to solid underlying metrics.

How does Skenes grade his first half?

Skenes gave himself a 'B,' acknowledging room for improvement but staying confident. 'Not terrible. Could have been better,' he said. His hard-hit percentage (37.4%) is a career low, and his barrel rate (6.1%) is slightly above average.

What’s next for the Pirates ace?

Skenes expects his numbers to normalize in the second half. 'I’m healthy. I’m feeling good,' he said. With his process intact, he’s focused on maintaining consistency and helping the Pirates push for a playoff spot.