When 10-10 Means Excellence
By Al Doyle
In the past, a 10-10 record for a starting pitcher was seen as a mere average performance, barely good enough for the back of the rotation. But times have changed, and a 10-10 record can now signify something far more impressive. Take, for example, Paul Skenes, the ace pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Despite a 10-10 record in 2025, Skenes was consistently dominant, leading the majors with a 1.97 ERA and an impressive 117% better than average (ERA+). This is a testament to the fact that a 10-10 record can be a misleading indicator of a pitcher's true talent.
Skenes' ability to shut down sluggers is evident in his low home run allowance, just 11 in 187.2 innings pitched, which is less than one home run every 17 innings. His walks and hits per innings pitched (WHIP) of 0.948 was the best in the National League and fourth in the majors, further showcasing his control and dominance. With a 5.14 K to BB ratio, Skenes was second in the National League and fifth in the majors, proving his ability to strike out batters while maintaining control.
Skenes' 7.6 wins above replacement (WAR) and 6.52 hits per 9 innings pitched are further evidence of his exceptional performance. His 1.96 rookie ERA and 1.97 ERA in 2025 are among the best in recent history, solidifying his status as a top pitcher in the game.
However, a 10-10 record can also be a result of a pitcher's circumstances. Consider Dick Donovan, a right-hander who struggled with a lack of offensive support and untimely errors. Despite a 10-10 record, Donovan's ERA was 2.40, which was 121 points better than Washington's season. His 23 starts and 168.2 innings pitched were marked by close defeats, highlighting the importance of context in evaluating a pitcher's performance.
In contrast, Diego Segui, a utility pitcher, had a 10-10 record due to playing for losing teams. Segui's ERA was 4.56 and 4.64, but he still managed to work his way into the bullpen and have a successful career. Segui's ability to adapt to different roles and pitch effectively is a testament to his versatility.
In conclusion, a 10-10 record can be a misleading indicator of a pitcher's true talent. It is essential to consider a pitcher's ERA, ERA+, and other statistics to gain a comprehensive understanding of their performance. By doing so, we can appreciate the true excellence of a pitcher, even if their record may not reflect it.
