Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates had a solid Spring Training, finishing with a 17-13 record following a loss to the Atlanta Braves on Monday. Now, the Pirates are set to begin the 2026 MLB regular season with a three-game road series against Juan Soto and the New York Mets starting Thursday.
Skenes and Pittsburgh are coming off a disappointing 2025 season, finishing with a 71-91 record and missing the playoffs. Yet the former LSU pitcher still impressed in his second year in the MLB, posting the league’s best ERA at 1.97 while recording 216 strikeouts in 32 starts. His performance was good enough to earn him his second All-Star nod, along with his first NL Cy Young Award.
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Over the past two seasons, Skenes has partnered with the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF), which aims to serve the United States by “honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.” Each year, Skenes has pledged to donate $100 for every strikeout he records during the season. In 2024, he tallied 170 strikeouts, personally donating $17,000 to GSF, and with 216 strikeouts in 2025, he donated $21,600. He also helped raise additional funds for the nonprofit through fan donations.
2026 will be no different for Skenes, and on Wednesday, he announced he is partnering with GSF for the third straight year, noting that “veterans and first responders are very important to him.” And, once again, for every strikeout he records this season, he will donate $100, with a campaign goal of $150,000. Skenes also revealed a fan contest, with the highest donor receiving a meet-and-greet along with tickets to the Pirates’ home opener on April 3.
"Hey baseball fans," Skenes said. "The new season has arrived and I'm excited to announce my third year of partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation. As you all know, veterans and first responders are very important to me. GSF's dedication to supporting those who serve is truly incredible. To show my support, I will again donate $100 to GSF for every strikeout I record during the season.
"We're kicking things off with a special contest. The highest donor from now until our Pirates home opener on April 3 will win an exclusive batting practice and meet and greet, and tickets to stay and enjoy a game during the season. Let's come together to honor these brave men and women who serve our country and our communities. Thank you so much for your support and go Pirates."
Skenes and the Pirates will take on the Mets on Thursday at 1:15 p.m. ET at Citi Field.
