Paul Skenes Achieves Historic 200-Strikeout Milestone Amidst Pirates’ Struggles

Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes has etched his name into the franchise’s history books, reaching an impressive 200 strikeouts for the 2025 season. This remarkable feat places him in elite company, even as his team navigates a challenging campaign at the bottom of the NL Central standings.

A New Personal Best for the Young Ace

The 23-year-old right-hander reached the significant milestone in his latest start against the Baltimore Orioles. Skenes recorded five strikeouts through the first three innings, with his 200th of the season coming against Orioles first baseman Coby Payo on an 84 MPH sweeper. This achievement underscores his dominance on the mound, even as the Pirates ultimately fell to the Orioles.

Joining Pirates Royalty: The 200-K Club

Skenes now stands as only the sixth pitcher in Pittsburgh Pirates history to record 200 strikeouts in a single season during the live-ball era, which began in 1920. He joins an illustrious group of Pirates legends:

• Mitch Keller: His current teammate, who achieved 210 strikeouts in 2023.
• Bob Veale: A franchise icon who surpassed 200 strikeouts in four different seasons during the 1960s, including a career-high 276 in 1965.
• Oliver Pérez: The Mexican left-hander who posted 239 strikeouts in 2004.
• A.J. Burnett: The veteran right-hander who recorded 209 strikeouts in 2013.
• Francisco Liriano & Gerrit Cole: Both achieved the feat in 2015, with 205 and 203 strikeouts, respectively.

This places Skenes in truly elite company, highlighting the rare talent he possesses. For a deeper dive into his early career, MLB.com offers comprehensive statistics and insights into Paul Skenes’ journey.

Skenes Among MLB’s Best

Nationally, Skenes’ 200 strikeouts rank him fourth across all of Major League Baseball. He trails only Logan Webb (San Francisco Giants, 201), Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers, 222), and the current MLB leader, Garrett Crochet (Boston Red Sox, 228). His ability to consistently miss bats has been a cornerstone of his breakout season.

Skenes’ individual brilliance was particularly evident on July 5 at T-Mobile Park, where he delivered his finest performance of the season, racking up 10 strikeouts in just five innings against the Seattle Mariners. He has consistently posted high strikeout numbers, with nine strikeouts in four games, eight in six games, seven in five, six in eight, and five in one. Only in four starts has he been limited to a season-low of four strikeouts.

Cy Young Contention and Future Outlook

With an ERA below 2.00, the best in all of Major League Baseball, Skenes is not just dominating from the mound; he’s also firmly establishing himself as a frontrunner for the National League Cy Young Award. His exceptional performance has been a consistent bright spot for a Pirates team that holds a 64-82 record and is out of postseason contention.

Despite the team’s struggles, Skenes’ individual success has made him a compelling figure in the league. His debut season in 2024 saw him amass 170 strikeouts, bringing his career total to 370, which already places him 70th in Pirates history. While trade rumors have surfaced, the focus remains on his incredible rookie campaign and the potential for a truly special career in Pittsburgh.