Another day, another chance to recognize Paul Skenes for his incredible rookie season.
The Pittsburgh Pirates didn’t have the success they were looking for in the 2024 season, finishing with a 76-86 record and placing last in the National League Central. But they have managed to have success when it comes to Skenes, who was the team’s top star of the campaign and a major bright spot.
The 22-year-old posted a 1.96 ERA with an 11-3 record over 23 games — striking out 170 batters throughout his rookie season. Skenes earned himself the NL Rookie of the Year award and placed third in the NL Cy Young award race. It was a season of celebration, and he received a little more credit on Thursday when the NL MVP voting was released.
While the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani unanimously won the award with 30 first-place votes, Skenes did receive a single eighth-place vote for his performance. It’s not a big mark, but all the more impressive considering he didn’t start his major league run until May.
The right-handed hurler will look to keep up the momentum next season as the Pirates are prepared for an important offseason.
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More MLB: Pirates Starter Paul Skenes Finishes Third In 2024 NL Cy Young Voting
Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images