Paul Skenes: Pirates Ace Ready to Lead in 2026 Opening Day vs Mets

Latest YORK — The atmosphere at Citi Field on Wednesday morning was one of focused preparation, but for Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes, it felt entirely business as usual. As he emerged from the dugout for workouts, a quiet confidence radiated from the reigning Cy Young Award winner, a clear signal that he was ready to begin his 2026 season. That season officially begins Thursday, when the Pirates face the New York Mets.

Skenes’ selection as the Opening Day starter for the second consecutive year is a testament to his dominance. Simply put, he’s established himself as the best pitcher in baseball, and the numbers emphatically support that claim. Last season, opposing hitters managed a meager .199 batting average, .251 on-base percentage, and .307 slugging percentage against him. Since reaching the major leagues, Skenes, 23, has consistently maintained an ERA below 2.00 – a remarkable feat of pitching consistency.

Pirates manager Don Kelly emphasized that Skenes’ success isn’t solely attributable to his on-field performance. “The easy thing is to go to the two seasons he has had and seem at the ERAs and what he does on the field,” Kelly said. “The one thing we get to see is the work ethic in between starts and the attention to detail — everything that leads to every fifth day on the field. I think that is the thing that impressed me the most. He has the drive for himself and the team to win.”

Despite his already impressive accomplishments, Skenes isn’t resting on his laurels. He believes there’s still room for improvement. “I can do better this year,” Skenes stated. “There are ways to get better. I just got to go out there and execute. I have to execute pitches more consistently.” This relentless pursuit of perfection underscores his commitment to continuous growth and maintaining his position at the top of the game.

While acknowledging the honor of being named Opening Day starter, Skenes intends to approach the game with the same intensity and focus he brings to every start. “[Opening Day] means something. Just have to go out there, [put us] in a position to win to start the season right,” he said.

The Pirates, coming off a disappointing 2025 season where Skenes’ stellar performance wasn’t enough to lift them out of last place in the National League Central, are looking for a turnaround. They’ve been active in the offseason, hoping to build a more competitive roster. The Mets, similarly, experienced a late-season collapse in 2025, falling just short of a playoff berth. Both teams are eager to start the 2026 season strong, and their Opening Day matchup is a highly anticipated one.

Skenes recognizes that building a winning team is a process. “It’s kind of tough to put it into words,” he said. “The vibe, identity and stuff like that is something that I think happens over the course of spring and over the course of summer, too. … Whatever happens these next few months, it’s going to bring us together. We are going to have a lot of people that are going to answer challenges. It’s certainly different now and I’m really excited to see what it’s going to be in two months.”

The team’s goals are clear, according to Skenes. “We want to win the division. We want to make the playoffs. That’s it.” He deliberately avoids setting specific win totals, believing that doing so could inadvertently limit the team’s potential. “I don’t want to put a number of games out there since that is just putting a ceiling on us. We have to go out there and play well every day.”

Beyond his pitching prowess, Skenes is valued as a teammate and a positive influence in the clubhouse. Pirates outfielder Jake Mangum described him as “just a normal human being. Talks ball, life. He is such a decent person.” This ability to connect with teammates and offer support further solidifies his role as a leader within the organization.

Thursday’s game at Citi Field will see Skenes oppose Freddy Peralta of the Mets, creating a compelling pitching matchup. First pitch is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on MLB.TV, MLB.com, NBC, and Peacock, as well as on Audacy Mets Radio (WHSQ 880AM) and the Audacy App (92.3 HD2). The game will not be available on SNY. For the Pirates, a win would be a significant statement to start the season, while the Mets will be looking to capitalize on home-field advantage and establish themselves as contenders in the National League East. The temperature is expected to be a more comfortable 70 degrees, a welcome change from Wednesday’s chilly 50-degree weather, which Skenes acknowledged with a characteristic understatement: “It’s kinda chilly.”