Skenes Blames WBC Disruption for Velocity Drop and Pirates' Playoff Miss

Key points

• Skenes' 2026 ERA of 3.91 is nearly two runs higher than his 1.97 mark in 2025, marking his first down season as a pro.
• His fastball velocity averaged 96.8 mph this year, down from 98.2 mph in 2025 and 98.9 mph in 2024, with no 100 mph pitches thrown.
• Skenes attributes his struggles to the WBC interrupting his usual spring training ramp-up, causing mechanical adjustments that never fully resolved.
• The Pirates were eliminated from playoff contention at 79-77 but are chasing their first winning record since 2018.
• Skenes plans to use the offseason to fix his mechanics and restore velocity, noting that mechanical tweaks in-season did not yield the desired results.

Background

The 2026 World Baseball Classic featured Team USA, which lost to Venezuela in the final. While the tournament included high-profile players, its impact on MLB seasons has been mixed. Skenes, the 2025 Cy Young Award winner, made two starts for Team USA, allowing one run in 8 1/3 innings. His struggles contrast with other WBC participants like Eduardo Rodriguez and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who had strong 2026 seasons. The Pirates' season was also affected by bullpen issues and a trade-deadline splurge that failed to secure a playoff spot. Skenes is entering his first year of arbitration eligibility and will become a free agent after 2029.

How outlets are covering it

Defector frames Skenes' struggles as part of a broader 'vibe' issue among Team USA players, suggesting that the tournament's intense, militaristic atmosphere may have negatively affected several stars, including Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh. CBS Sports presents a more balanced view, noting that while Skenes and Logan Webb struggled, other WBC participants like Nolan McLean and Cristopher Sánchez thrived, indicating that the impact is not universal. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette focuses on Skenes' personal account, highlighting his mechanical adjustments and the difficulty of fixing velocity issues in-season. Skenes himself acknowledges the WBC as a root cause but notes that other factors, including mechanical tweaks, also played a role. He does not regret participating in the WBC but believes it made the season harder.

Why it matters

Skenes' performance is critical for the Pirates' future, as he is a key piece of their core and is approaching a significant contract year. His struggles highlight the potential risks of international tournaments for MLB players, particularly those with high-velocity pitches that require precise mechanical consistency. The Pirates' inability to make the playoffs despite an active offseason underscores the importance of player health and preparation. Skenes' ability to recover his velocity and mechanics in the offseason will determine whether the Pirates can return to contention in 2027. The broader implications for MLB and the WBC include questions about how international tournaments affect player development and performance, particularly for pitchers who rely on specific mechanical routines.

What to watch

Skenes will use the offseason to address his mechanical issues and restore his velocity, with the goal of returning to his 2025 form. The Pirates will focus on finishing the season with a winning record, their first since 2018, and will likely pursue free agents to address their third-base needs, as prospect Murf Gray is not yet ready for the major leagues. Skenes' arbitration eligibility will be a key factor in his contract negotiations, with his 2026 performance likely impacting his market value. The Pirates will also evaluate their bullpen and other core players, including Brandon Lowe, who is approaching 100 RBIs. The broader implications for the WBC may lead to discussions about how international tournaments affect MLB players, particularly those with high-velocity pitches.