Skenes pointed to his pitching for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic as the reason for added fatigue – and a decline in performance – pitching for the Pirates this season. The WBC took place from March 5-17 ahead of the MLB season beginning March 26.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes said the World Baseball Classic was "the root" of his velocity drop in 2026. He is 10-11 this season.

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes said the World Baseball Classic disrupted his spring ramp-up, contributing to a velocity dip and a nearly doubled ERA this season.

The one and only Stitches has been handicapping baseball, daily, for the Post since 2019. Miraculously, he has finished in the black twice. But wait there’s more. He showed his versatility by winning the Post’s NFL Best Bet crown last year.

Wietgrefe may be the most major league ready of the three, as the lefty has a 3.08 ERA in 16 starts at Triple-A. He probably could have helped the Pirates in September, although given the looming lockout and scant playoff odds, it was the right decision to delay adding him to the 40-man.

MLB fans and analysts aren’t buying Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes’ explanation for his rocky 2026 season, after the star pitcher pointed to his World Baseball Classic appearance as the root cause of his struggles.