<p>Skenes is highlighted as a potential true ace, with outstanding numbers that make him an elite fantasy asset. His outlook emphasizes the likelihood of strong wins, strikeouts, and sustainability as a top pitching option in drafts.</p><p>In 2026, Skenes is viewed as a foundational starter, capable of anchoring fantasy rotations and delivering a premium return on investment if health and workload align with his talent level.</p>

1.97 ERA breakout anchor; potential ace upside with workload considerations shaping 2026 expectations.

Skenes anchored the Pirates in 2025 with a sub-2.00 ERA (1.97) over 187.2 innings, 216 strikeouts and a 0.95 WHIP, while walking 42. He set a live-ball era Pirates rookie strikeout mark (216) and emerged as a leading NL Cy Young contender as the season closed.

<p>Skenes is framed as a bold target for the rotation, with the Pirates cited as a potential route to land him, signaling a willingness to chase elite arms to anchor the Mets’ staff.</p>

Skenes’ card-market ascent is explosive: top sales volume (tied with Ohtani) and the year’s most expensive active-player card, a 2024 Topps Chrome Update 1/1 that sold for $1.11M. His presence defies pitcher-market norms and signals continued appetite for elite rookie pitchers.