Young pitcher Paul Skenes has set an ambitious goal for the upcoming season. Despite his impressive rookie year with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Skenes remains focused on improving his performance and extending his presence on the mound. The right-hander, who won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2024, is determined to become a more efficient and durable pitcher. He envisions pitching significantly more innings this season, aiming for a remarkable 240 innings—a number that has not been achieved by any major-league player since 2014.

Skenes' aspiration reflects both his ambition and his confidence in his physical preparation. Last year, he pitched 133 innings across 23 starts, complemented by an additional 27.1 innings in Triple-A. This brought his total to 160.1 innings, which was already an impressive feat for a 22-year-old in his first full professional season. However, Skenes believes that his body can handle much more. He feels that his training regimen, both during the offseason and throughout the regular season, has prepared him for a higher workload. "I felt good in September," he remarked, indicating that his conditioning had reached a peak towards the end of last year.

Paul Skenes' dedication to baseball extends beyond just setting lofty goals. His eagerness to return to spring training and resume competitive play showcases his passion for the sport. Skenes finds the offseason too long and is ready to dive back into the action. His enthusiasm is matched by a commitment to continuous improvement. He plans to focus on throwing more strikes, attacking the strike zone, and learning from each outing. With such a driven mindset, fans and teammates alike are excited to see what Skenes will achieve in the coming season. His relentless pursuit of excellence sets a positive example for aspiring athletes everywhere.