The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie superstar pitcher Paul Skenes has continued to receive recognition as he dominates in his rookie campaign.
Pittsburgh selected Skenes with the first overall pick in the 2023 Major League Baseball draft. He’s been one of the most dominant players in baseball since being called up in May. Skenes is 10-3 through 21 starts with a 2.07 ERA and 158 strikeouts. He broke the Pirates rookie strikeout record and was named an All-Star in his rookie season.
Skenes was named under the “Athletes” section of Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Power List as one of the top 50 most influential sports figures according to Will Laws.
“The Pirates’ righthander is power personified on the mound,” Laws wrote. “Skenes averages one of the highest fastball velocities (north of 98 mph) of any MLB starter, but it’s his mid-90s hybrid ‘splinker’ pitch and impeccable command that separates him from the pack and sends opposing hitters back to their dugouts.”
“The No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB draft was called up by Pittsburgh in May and dominated in such fashion that he became the first rookie pitcher to start the MLB All-Star Game since 1995. The 22-year-old ace has quickly brought hope back to PNC Park, and even if the Pirates aren’t quite ready to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2015, they should be back there in short order with Skenes leading the way.”
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Skenes is in a heated battle for the National League Rookie of the Year award as the regular season nears its end. The rookie phenom has electrified the league and gives Pittsburgh the chance to win anytime he steps on the mound. He is one of the best young stars in the league and will lead the Pirates as they strive to make the playoffs next season.
More MLB: How Paul Skenes Impressed Pirates Throughout Final Month Of Season
Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images