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Skenes and Skubal Explain How Tech Is Rewriting Pitching, With AI Next

Their comments reflect MLB's growing reliance on high-speed cameras, motion capture, plus new strike-call tech.

Overview

  • The Cy Young winners told ESPN's Jeff Passan that high-speed cameras, motion capture and TrackMan now guide pitch design and in-game choices.
  • Paul Skenes predicted artificial intelligence will play a role in pitching as new models help shape plans and adjustments.
  • Tarik Skubal said a sweeper still eludes him after two years of trying grips and testing on TrackMan, describing it as a big, sweeping slider teams prize.
  • Early 2026 results underline their standing, with Skenes giving up three earned runs over his last 17.1 innings and Skubal at a 2.22 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 24.1 innings.
  • MLB’s tech footprint is clear this season through dugout tablets and an automated ball-strike challenge system, as average pitch speed has climbed about five mph since 2002.