As the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season unfolds, two of the league's brightest pitching talents, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes, are on a journey to deepen their skills on the mound. After both aces claimed Cy Young awards last season—Skubal for the American League and Skenes for the National League—they are not resting on their laurels. A recent discussion with ESPN's Jeff Passan revealed their shared commitment to evolving their pitching strategies through technology and data analytics.

Embracing Technological Advancements

In the modern MLB landscape, understanding the science behind pitching has never been more critical. Skenes, lauding the advanced tools at players' disposal, highlighted the revolutionary Edgertronic cameras and high-speed cameras that provide in-depth analysis of pitch mechanics. He passionately explained how these technologies make it easier for players to refine their techniques. "You can see what fingers are coming off the ball...there's stuff you can do with mo-cap now that tells you if your body is compatible for throwing certain pitches and their shapes," he said.

However, adapting these insights into effective strategies on the mound remains a challenge, even for top pitchers. Skubal shared his struggles with mastering the ‘sweeper’ pitch, stating he fiercely tries new techniques after learning about them but has not yet succeeded. "I can’t get it, but I’m relentless. I’ll get it one of these days. Or I’ll get something else,” expressed the Detroit Tigers ace. This determination to adapt showcases the dual challenge of harnessing new technology while executing pitches that can consistently fool hitters.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Pitching

Both pitchers also pondered the future of their craft in the context of artificial intelligence (AI). Skenes expressed curiosity about how AI may impact pitching strategies, acknowledging that while he doesn’t have all the answers, he believes it will be a significant factor in future developments. While the current season introduces sophisticated tools like the automated ball-strike challenge system, it also showcases players' access to immediate data through tablets in dugouts.

The integration of AI has already started to transform how teams monitor player health and performance. Despite these technological advancements, Skubal noted that fundamental pitching principles endure over time. "First-pitch strikes, getting to leverage, getting guys out early, limit three-ball counts. All that stuff will never change," he remarked, emphasizing the constant elements of success in pitching.

The Future of Pitching: Velocity and Technique

As discussions about the future of pitching continue, Skubal mused over the ever-increasing average pitch velocity in MLB, which saw a significant rise, from 81.9 mph in 2002 to 86.8 mph in 2025. He expressed uncertainty about the sport's next evolutionary phase. "I don’t know how much pitching is going to change in the next five to ten years. Is it going to be more velocity? I don’t see it, but... if you told me someone threw 108 tomorrow, I would say, ‘Yeah, he probably did,’" he noted.

This observation taps into the intrigue surrounding how pitchers like Mason Miller, who can effortlessly throw 103 mph, challenge the perceptions of what is physically possible for pitchers today. While Skenes and Skubal are keen on mastering advanced techniques, they are equally fascinated by the evolving boundaries of pitch velocity and effectiveness.

Current Performance and Future Matchups

As the season progresses, both pitchers are asserting their dominance on the mound once more. After a shaky initial outing this season, Skenes has settled into a rhythm, allowing only three earned runs and six hits in his last 17.1 innings across three starts. Having clinched the title of the fifth-youngest Cy Young winner in history, he is proving why he’s one of the league's premier talents.

Meanwhile, Skubal is making a strong case for a third straight Cy Young award with impressive numbers, including a 2.22 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 24.1 innings over his first four starts. Their ongoing success has fans eagerly anticipating a potential high-stakes matchup when the Detroit Tigers face the Pittsburgh Pirates from August 17-19—a series that will give both pitchers a chance to showcase their skills in a head-to-head showdown.

Fans will remember their only meeting at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, where Skenes and Skubal represented their respective leagues—a pivotal moment that hints at what could become a thrilling rivalry in the years ahead.

As they navigate the intersection of tradition and technology, Skubal and Skenes embody the future of pitching, hopeful and curious about what the next evolution in their craft will bring.