Pirates Manager Notes Importance Of Rookie Winning Award For Organization

After a historic rookie season, Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Paul Skenes won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

Skenes electrified the league the moment he was called up to the majors. The young fireballer went 11-3 in 23 starts with an insane 1.96 ERA. He also struck out 170 batters, which set a Pirates rookie record. Skenes played so well that he was even in contention for the National League Cy Young Award, in which he finished in third place.

Although Skenes winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award means a lot to him, it also means a lot to the entire Pirates organization, according to Pirates manager Derek Shelton.

“I think it’s really important for the organization,” Shelton said. “Especially when it’s a homegrown player, a guy that got to the big leagues really quickly and then was able to have the year that he had, it speaks to that we made the right decision. We made the right decision in terms of how we handled him this year and ultimately, Paul went out and performed, and that’s the most important thing.”

“We think our starting pitching is something that’s going to be a big part of what’s going to lead to our success next year. (Skenes is) a huge part of that. It’s really cool for you to see your players win an individual award.”

Pittsburgh made the right decision in drafting Skenes with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 Major League Baseball draft. The Pirates have a great starting rotation headlined by Skenes. When you include the three top-100 pitching prospects the team has, their pitching staff should be one of the best in the league.

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