Paul Skenes Set to Lead Pirates into 2026 Season Opener Against Mets
NEW YORK — As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to face the New York Mets on Thursday, March 26, at Citi Field, all eyes will be on reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes. The game, scheduled for 1:15 p.m. ET, marks Skenes’ second consecutive Opening Day start for the Pirates.
Dominance on the Mound
Skenes enters the 2026 season as arguably the best pitcher in baseball, a title supported by his impressive statistics. Last season, opposing hitters managed a slash line of only .199/.251/.307 against him. Since joining the major leagues, Skenes has consistently maintained an ERA below 2.00, solidifying his position as a dominant force on the mound.
Leadership and Team Expectations
Pirates manager Don Kelly emphasized Skenes’ work ethic and attention to detail as key factors in his success. “The easy thing is to go to the two seasons he has had and appear at the ERAs and what he does on the field,” Kelly said. “The one thing we get to notice is the work ethic in between starts and the attention to detail — everything that leads to every fifth day on the field. I reckon that is the thing that impressed me the most. He has the drive for himself and the team to win.”
Despite his accomplishments, Skenes remains focused on continuous improvement. “I can do better this year,” Skenes stated. “There are ways to get better. I just got to go out there and execute. I have to execute pitches more consistently.”
Skenes is approaching Opening Day with the same mindset he brings to every game. “It means something. Just have to go out there, [put us] in a position to win to start the season right,” he said.
Looking ahead, Skenes outlined the team’s ambitions for the 2026 season. “We aim for to win the division. We want to produce the playoffs. That’s it,” he said. “How do we do that? Who knows. I don’t want to put a number of games out there because that is just putting a ceiling on us. We have to go out there and play well every day.”
A Teammate and Role Model
Beyond his pitching prowess, Skenes is recognized as a valuable teammate and a positive influence in the clubhouse. Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum described him as “just a normal human being. Talks ball, life. He is such a decent person.”
Skenes’ Commitment to Giving Back
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has pledged to donate $100 for every strikeout he records during the 2026 season to an organization supporting military veterans, first responders, and their families, continuing his partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation. His latest fundraising campaign aims to raise $150,000, a 50% increase from previous years. Last season, Skenes recorded 216 strikeouts, leading the National League with a 1.97 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP in 32 starts.
Worth a look