Imagine this: a pitcher so dominant, he’s practically unhittable, yet his win-loss record tells a story of frustration and misfortune. Meet Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ ace and the undisputed 2025 Strange But True Player of the Year. But here’s where it gets controversial—is Skenes’ brilliance being sabotaged by his own team’s inability to score runs? Let’s dive into the mind-boggling stats that make this story so captivating.
Paul Skenes is a pitching phenom. In 2025, he posted a jaw-dropping 1.97 ERA, a league-leading 0.95 WHIP, and 216 strikeouts over 32 starts. These numbers scream Cy Young Award, and indeed, he was the unanimous choice. But his win-loss record? A baffling 10-10. And this is the part most people miss: Skenes’ record is less a reflection of his talent and more a testament to the Pirates’ offensive struggles.
To put this in perspective, since 1969, pitchers with similar stats (sub-2.00 ERA, sub-1.00 WHIP, and at least 180 innings) averaged a 19-7 record. Skenes’ 10-10 record is not just unusual—it’s historically unprecedented. Even more shocking? As late as mid-July, he was 4-8. It’s a miracle he didn’t finish with a losing record.
Now, let’s play a little game. Imagine Skenes pitched for a team with, say, an average offense. What would his record look like? Loyal reader Ryan Spaeder crunched the numbers, and the result is staggering: 41-3. Yes, you read that right. Forty-one wins and three losses. Instead, Skenes is stuck in a horror film where his brilliance is constantly undermined by his team’s inability to score.
But it’s not just 2025. Over his 55 career starts, Skenes has a sparkling 1.96 ERA, the lowest in the live-ball era for any pitcher at this stage. Yet, in games where he hasn’t earned a win, his stats are still elite: a 2.66 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Compare that to Johan Santana’s 2004 Cy Young season (2.61 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 10.5 K/9), where he went 20-6. Skenes? 0-13 in those games. Is it illegal to assemble an actual lineup in Pittsburgh?
The Pirates’ offensive woes are nothing new. In 2025, they had the lowest-scoring offense in the majors, and it’s been a recurring theme. Skenes has pitched eight or more innings three times in his career, with a 1.48 ERA in those starts. His record? 0-3. Meanwhile, the rest of MLB’s starters are 141-22 in such games. Can a pitcher sue for non-support?
For Pirates fans, this is torture. Watching Skenes dominate game after game, only to see his efforts wasted, must feel like Groundhog Day. To everyone in Pittsburgh, we can only say: We’re sorry. And hey, at least there’s a big Steelers game this weekend.
So, here’s the burning question: Is Paul Skenes the most unlucky pitcher in MLB history, or is there something more systemic at play with the Pirates? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this strange but true phenomenon.
