MLB's Rising Star: Paul Skenes Shines Both on and off the Field
Major League Baseball (MLB) is making a concerted effort to amplify its profile, particularly through strategic changes to the MLB Draft. By moving the first round to primetime and integrating it into the All-Star Game festivities, the league is aiming to capture the attention of a broader audience. One player, in particular, has emerged as a symbol of these advancements: Paul Skenes.
Selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft from LSU, Skenes has quickly made a name for himself with a remarkable debut season. His performance has been nothing short of stellar, making significant strides that are reverberating across the league.
A Historic All-Star Game Start
In the 2024 season, Paul Skenes achieved a milestone that underscores his rapid ascent in MLB. He started the All-Star Game for the National League, making him the first number one overall draft pick to earn such an honor in the season following their draft. This accolade also made him the first rookie to start the All-Star Game since Hideo Nomo in 1995.
Skenes' early statistics paint a picture of unprecedented success for a rookie. With 11 MLB starts under his belt, he boasts a 6-0 record and a dazzling 1.90 ERA. His dynamic pitching arsenal includes fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves, with his fastball reaching up to 100 mph and his sinker ranging between 91 to 96 mph.
Unwavering Performance on the Mound
In his latest outing, Skenes delivered a masterful performance, working seven no-hit innings and striking out 11 batters. "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back," Skenes remarked on his encounters with some of the league’s top hitters. His approach and skill have drawn praise from opponents and teammates alike.
"They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one," Skenes added, hinting at the strategies fueling his exceptional start to the season.
Praise from the League
Paul Skenes’ prowess hasn’t gone unnoticed among MLB veterans. Aaron Judge, a formidable opponent, noted, "I got the chance to battle and watch [Soto] battle against one of the young studs in the NL right now, it was pretty cool."
Christian Yelich offered an insightful perspective on what sets Skenes apart: "Not downplaying 100, but you see 100 a lot. There’s a lot of guys who throw 100, but he's not up there just ripping 100. He's pitching." Yelich's comments highlight Skenes' sophisticated approach, emphasizing his ability to strategically utilize his pitch arsenal. "And when you have 100 in the tank, too, that's when it’s a little different. He was changing speeds with us, [the sinker] was anywhere from 91 to 95-96 and his fastball is 100. He knows how to use his arsenal, it kind of seemed like he knew what he was doing, setting us up. He was pretty advanced," Yelich added.
Juan Soto, another league luminary, also acknowledged Skenes' talent: "I think it was a split, it’s a pretty good pitch. I watched it twice so I was definitely trying to get used to it. I was trying to take him deep, no lie."
Supporting Cast and Rivals
While Skenes has been leading the headlines, other players have made significant contributions this season. Steven Kwan is setting the pace with a league-leading .352 average, and Gunnar Henderson impresses with a batting line of .286/.373/.584, including 28 home runs. Aaron Judge, under the management of Bruce Bochy with the Rangers, is finding his stride in the cleanup spot.
Paul Skenes’ journey from the MLB Draft to starting the All-Star Game in such a short time is a testament to his extraordinary talent and work ethic. As Major League Baseball continues its efforts to heighten its profile and engage fans, players like Skenes are central to this narrative, embodying the future of the sport with every pitch and every game.