Pirates' Paul Skenes Unveils Improved Curveball

The young ace's new-and-improved putout pitch could make him even more dominant in 2026.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, has revamped his curveball in the offseason, making it slower, with more drop and horizontal break. This new and improved putout pitch could be a key weapon for Skenes as he looks to repeat his Cy Young performance in 2026.

Why it matters

Skenes is already considered one of the best pitchers in baseball, but his ability to continually refine and improve his arsenal of pitches is what makes him truly elite. This new curveball could take his game to an even higher level and make him nearly unhittable for opposing batters.

The details

Skenes' curveball is now slower, dropping seven inches more and breaking three inches more horizontally compared to last season. While it's still a work in progress, these improvements could turn the pitch into one of the more dominant curveballs in the sport if Skenes can continue to refine it.

  • Skenes struggled in his 2026 Opening Day start, giving up five runs in the first inning.
  • Early in the 2026 season, Skenes has been working on revamping his curveball.

The players

Paul Skenes

The Pittsburgh Pirates' ace pitcher and reigning NL Cy Young Award winner.

David Adler

An MLB.com writer who reported on Skenes' improved curveball.

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What they’re saying

“However, early in 2026, Skenes has revamped his curveball. It's slower - down to under 82 mph from about 84 mph last season - and is dropping seven inches more (48 inches vs. 41 inches) and breaking three inches more horizontally (nine inches vs. six inches).”

— David Adler, MLB.com Writer

What’s next

If Skenes can continue to refine his new curveball, it could turn into one of the most dominant putout pitches in baseball, helping him repeat as the NL Cy Young Award winner.

The takeaway

Paul Skenes' ability to constantly improve his arsenal of pitches is a big reason why he is considered one of the best pitchers in the game. This new and improved curveball could take his game to an even higher level and make him nearly unhittable for opposing batters.