Mark Madden: Paul Skenes’ velocity loss should make his future WBC decision easy

Key Points:

• Paul Skenes attributes his velocity loss primarily to pitching for the U.S. in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), where he threw 75 pitches at 95 mph or faster, reaching a peak of 99.7 mph—speed he hasn’t matched during the MLB season.
• While the WBC has historically impacted a small number of pitchers negatively, most emerge without injury; however, factors like ramping up too early and overexertion may also contribute to Skenes’ decline.
• Skenes’ average fastball velocity dropped by 2 mph from his rookie 2024 season, and despite a solid final start in the current season, his overall ERA increased to 3.82, nearly double from the previous year.
• The Pirates’ failure to make the playoffs is largely linked to Skenes’ decline, as their record was 15-17 in games he started, contrasting with expectations from a reigning Cy Young winner.
• The article argues the WBC is a risky, unnecessary event for MLB pitchers, suggesting players like Skenes should avoid it to protect their careers, especially given the long gap until the next tournament in 2030.