Pirates’ Paul Skenes To Make Second Consecutive All-Star Start

Paul Skenes will be the first person to take the field in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.

Major League Baseball revealed the game’s starting pitchers on Saturday, with Skenes earning his second consecutive nod for the National League, who is the designated home team at Truist Park. Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal earned the honor for the American League.

Skenes, 23, will be the youngest pitcher to ever start back-to-back Midsummer Classics. Philadelphia Phillies legend Robin Roberts was previously the youngest, starting in 1950 and 1951 at the ages of 23 and 24, according to The Athletic.

Skenes’ biggest competition in the NL, Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, bowed out of the race, saying he wanted to prepare for the second half. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts broke the news himself to the superstar ace, who had a typically reserved reaction, as seen in team-provided video.

The Pirates will have quite a presence at the week’s festivities. Skenes will carry his weight during the game itself on Tuesday, while Oneil Cruz will compete in the 2025 Home Run Derby on Monday.

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