Pirates’ Paul Skenes makes hilariously real Shohei Ohtani admission

Shohei Ohtani is one of the best players in MLB. While Ohtani has not hit quite as well in 2026, he is still one of the best pitchers in the game. Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes is happy that he does not have to face the Los Angeles Dodgers star as a hitter, something he said on The Pat McAfee Show.

“I would say pitching is probably as good as it’s ever been and it will probably only continue to get better,” Skenes said. “Shohei, he makes me really glad I’m not a hitter anymore. I don’t want to face guys like him.”

Skenes is one of the best pitchers in the game as well. The 23-year-old superstar pitcher recorded ERAs below two in each of his first two big league seasons. He is accomplishing the same feat so far in 2026, as Skenes currently holds a 1.98 ERA. He continues to pitch at a high level.

Skenes and Ohtani will likely be among the front-runners for the National League Cy Young Award this season. Ohtani’s 0.82 ERA leads the league at the moment. The three-time MVP has never won a Cy Young, but that could change soon. With that being said, Skenes is a strong contender to earn his second consecutive Cy Young.

Regardless of who wins the award, both pitchers are superstars without question. Baseball is in a great place with guys like Ohtani and Skenes leading the way.

Paul Skenes is just happy he does not have to hit against Shohei Ohtani.