Wednesday was the first day of spring training for the Pittsburgh Pirates, with pitchers and catchers reporting to Bradenton, Florida.<\/p>\n
That includes Pirates ace Paul Skenes, who\u2019s fresh off winning the NL Cy Young Award unanimously<\/a>.<\/p>\n Many pitchers come into spring training looking to add a new pitch, try a new grip or alter their repertoire. It\u2019s a good time to experiment and tinker before real games start.<\/p>\n Accordingly, Pittsburgh fans might be wondering if Skenes is planning to change up his arsenal at all this year. <\/p>\n Pirates ace Paul Skenes says there is no \u201csleeper\u201d (slower version of his sweeper) or cutter being added to his seven-pitch repertoire, but he does share a goal. pic.twitter.com\/8vpExgsggl<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) February 11, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The two-time All-Star told reporters on Wednesday<\/a> that he\u2019s not planning to add a \u201csleeper\u201d (a slow sweeper) or a cutter this year. He already throws seven pitches, which is more than enough.<\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cPretty much the same stuff, hopefully better,\u201d Skenes said regarding his repertoire.<\/p>\n When asked about his goals for the year, Skenes replied, \u201cMake the playoffs.\u201d He also said he hopes to start the year strong, healthy and throwing strikes.<\/p>\n Story continues below advertisement<\/p>\n In other words, Skenes hopes to pick up where he left off last year. That shouldn\u2019t be too difficult for him, as he\u2019s one of the best pitchers in baseball<\/a>.<\/p>\n More Pirates: Pirates Manager Reveals How Paul Skenes Can Become Even More Dominant<\/a><\/p>\n