Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes just took “offseason training” to a whole new level, diving into sumo wrestling during a recent trip to Japan. A video posted on X shows the right-hander participating in the ancient sport, a wild change of pace from his 2026 MLB campaign.
From the Mound to the Dohyo
Forget your typical weight room and throwing programs. Skenes apparently decided to switch up his routine with some intense grappling. While we usually expect our top pitchers to be focused on arm strength and conditioning, Skenes went full cultural immersion with sumo wrestling while visiting Japan. It’s definitely not what you’d expect from a guy known for scorching fastballs, but hey, maybe it’s the secret to a stronger core? It certainly makes for some must-see offseason content.
The Numbers Behind the All-Star
This unexpected offseason activity comes after a 2026 season where Skenes made 32 starts, finishing with a 10-11 record. His ERA clocked in at 3.82, with a 1.119 WHIP over 174.1 innings. He still brought the heat, racking up 200 strikeouts against 49 walks. Now, for any other pitcher, those numbers might look solid. But for Skenes, it actually marks a slight dip from his career’s first two seasons, which included a dominant 1.96 ERA and a National League Cy Young Award in 2025. Still, the man is a star, earning his third consecutive All-Star nod this year.
What does a sumo wrestling foray mean for a pitcher coming off a slightly down year, even if he’s an All-Star? It’s the offseason, so we’re not talking about game strategy, but it sure makes you wonder about his approach to training. With 2027 on the horizon, we’ll see if this unique Japanese detour translates to a return to his Cy Young form.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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