Pirates Rookie Phenom Adds Another Accolade To Young Career

The Pittsburgh Pirates struck gold in drafting superstar phenom pitcher Paul Skenes with the top pick in the 2023 draft.

The Pirates’ 6’6” fireballer has had one of the most dominant rookie seasons in recent memory. Skenes closed the season with an 11-3 record with a blistering 1.96 ERA. He set a Pirates rookie record, striking out 170 batters in only 133 innings pitched. Being the first rookie pitcher named to be an All-Star starter in nearly 30 years is another major accolade Skenes garnered this year.

After a standout rookie season, Skenes was named to MLB Pipeline’s First-Team on their All-Rookie teams, with his dominance being among the best in baseball, according to MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo.

“It matters not that he didn’t make his debut until May; he was one of the most dominant starting pitchers (rookie and non) in all of baseball once he arrived,” Mayo wrote. “The 2023 No. 1 pick easily led all rookie arms with 4.3 fWAR, a mark that lands him in the top 10 among any pitcher with 100 or more innings this year. The NL All-Star landed in the top three again among all pitchers in xFIP (2.54), K/9 (11.5) and K/BB% (26.8 pct).”

Skenes’ pure dominance can be seen by the fact that he was the first pitcher since 1913 to have an ERA below 2.00 through their first 22 starts. He also struck out at least seven batters 16 times this season. 

San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill has made the National League Rookie of the Year race tight, but it’s hard to overlook Skenes’ historic season. Pittsburgh’s future looks bright, with Skenes leading the team. 

More MLB: Pirates’ Jared Triolo Named Finalist For New Gold Glove Award