Paul Skenes, right-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and reigning National League Cy Young winner, delivered a five-inning scoreless performance but showed concerning signs with a notable decline in his fastball velocity. His average fastball speed has decreased to 96.9 mph this season, down from 98.8 mph during his rookie year. Despite health reassurances from the Pirates, market participants interpret the velocity reduction as a potential factor impacting his Cy Young candidacy. Current odds for the 2026 NL Cy Young Award reflect a cautious outlook, with a notable drop in confidence over the past week.
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