Imagine Paul Skenes… but better. The 2024 NL Rookie of the Year finished his big-league debut with an impressive 1.96 ERA, amassing 170 strikeouts and 32 walks over 133 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The recent addition of Brent Strom as the assistant pitching coach is stellar news for Skenes.
During his time with the Houston Astros, Brent Strom played a pivotal role in the success of a rotation responsible for multiple World Series appearances, including the championship run in 2017. He had a remarkable impact on young pitchers like Joe Musgrove and Lance McCullers.
Strom possesses an innate ability to elevate an “average” pitcher’s performance, starting with small conversations and adjustments during spring training. He emphasizes that while enhancing specialty pitches and focusing on swing-and-miss mechanics are beneficial, cultivating the right mindset is equally crucial.
“Nothing brings me more joy than to see young men achieve what they’re trying to achieve. Hopefully, next year with the Pirates I can play a part in helping this really talented group of pitchers and helping this team get into the playoffs,” Strom told MLB.com in December.
Skenes made his major-league debut on May 11, 2024, meaning 2025 will be his first full season if he remains healthy. “I’m going to be ready to throw 240 innings,” said Skenes. “It’s not going to be 160 innings again. I know that. It’s gonna be much more, ‘Take the ball and pitch.’”
Last season, Skenes had a loose pitch count, surpassing 100 pitches in several starts, but the Pirates opted to play it safe, even when he was in a groove. This year, he plans on going deeper into games and expects the organization to support that approach.
If Strom can assist Skenes in mastering his splinker — the putaway pitch that complements his blazing 100 mph fastball — it could spell trouble for every batter he faces.
