Paul Skenes Becomes Pirates Second Player To Be Named Cover Athlete

After a historic rookie season, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes has become one of the most influential players in baseball.

Pittsburgh struck gold when drafting Skenes with the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft. The young flamethrower has set the league ablaze since he debuted in the big leagues. He was named an All-Star, becoming the first rookie pitcher to start the All-Star Game in nearly 30 years, and won the National League Rookie of the Year.

Skenes will be showcased on the cover of MLB The Show 25, along with Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson, according to MLB.com’s David Adler.

“Paul Skenes. Gunnar Henderson. Elly De La Cruz. All on one epic MLB The Show cover,” Adler said. “The superstar trio were revealed as the MLB The Show 25 cover athletes on Tuesday. It will be a one-of-a-kind cover to celebrate the 20th anniversary of MLB The Show by showcasing the future of baseball.”

“And what a trio to pick. Skenes, Henderson and De La Cruz have taken MLB by storm. They’re three of the most exciting young players to watch in the game today. Skenes, the Pirates’ electric ace, is the reigning National League Rookie of the Year after going 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in his first big league season. He’s just 22 years old.”

This will be the first time that the MLB The Show cover features multiple athletes. Skenes is only the second Pirates player on the game’s cover, joining Pirates’ fan-favorite Andrew McCutchen. Skenes is an elite pitcher aiming to take Pittsburgh to the next level in the 2025 season.

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