Paul Skenes: The Next Big Star in MLB

Paul Skenes is emerging as the next big star in MLB, surpassing the expectations of not just Pirates fans but all baseball enthusiasts. He is on his way to becoming the next prominent starting pitcher for the historically rich Pirates franchise.

You know you’re a superstar when out-of-market fans are finding ways to watch Pittsburgh Pirates baseball. Those same fans wouldn't even pirate Pirates games last season! Despite being an iconic franchise with much success in the 1970s, the Pirates have struggled in recent decades. Apart from a brief run of 2-3 solid seasons in the early to mid-2010s, the team’s success has been minimal. However, this Pirates team is different.

Background and Path to MLB

Paul Skenes' journey to the MLB is remarkable. Unlike the typical top prospect, Skenes took a unique path. His high school career was promising, earning him multiple accolades despite the disruption caused by COVID-19 in his senior year. Skenes committed to the Air Force Academy, where he continued to develop his skills. At Air Force, he posted impressive stats, including a 2.73 ERA and 96 strikeouts in his sophomore year, leading to his selection as a first-team All-American. His performance caught the attention of major college programs, leading to his transfer to LSU.

At LSU, Skenes became a standout pitcher. In his junior year, he recorded a 1.69 ERA with 209 strikeouts over 120 innings, earning him the SEC Pitcher of the Year award and a consensus All-American honor. His exceptional performance in college propelled him to the MLB, where he has quickly made a name for himself.

While it remains to be seen if this difference is enough to turn around a franchise long deprived of sustained success, the Pirate ship has embarked on a voyage towards exciting baseball, all thanks to their new captain, Paul Skenes. Skenes is MLB’s newest and brightest pitching prospect since Steven Strasburg, only he throws even more gas than prime Strasburg. The comparisons are inevitable, yet the differences are significant.

Statistics Comparison: Skenes vs. Strasburg

Paul Skenes' rookie season has been spectacular. With a fastball consistently hitting triple digits and an impressive strikeout rate, Skenes has dominated hitters from the start. His ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts per nine innings are among the best for rookie pitchers, making his case for starting the All-Star Game undeniable.

Paul Skenes finished his final start before the All-Star break in style, throwing seven no-hit innings before being pulled after 99 pitches. That was just the latest start in a dominant first half. The rookie superstar will enter the 2024 MLB All-Star Game with absurd numbers.

On Thursday, Skenes threw seven innings while allowing no hits and no runs. He also tied a career-high with 11 strikeouts. In the second inning, he hit Jake Bauers and walked Garrett Mitchell in back-to-back at-bats. Those were the only blemishes on his line. Debate will rage over whether manager Derek Shelton should have pulled Skenes, given he had a no-hitter and had thrown fewer than 100 pitches. Maybe Shelton just wanted to see how many popcorns he could catch in his mouth in the dugout.

The 22-year-old has made 11 starts and boasts a 6-0 record, with a 1.90 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and 89 strikeouts against 13 walks in 66.1 innings. He is currently averaging 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings, the top mark in the National League. Perhaps even more impressive, Skenes has yet to leave a start with the Pirates trailing. So you can understand why Pirates fans are getting a bit too excited. Like, 'naming their first-born Skenes' excited.

Comparing this to Steven Strasburg's early career, Strasburg debuted in 2010 with the Washington Nationals and immediately made an impact. In his first 11 starts, Strasburg had a 5-3 record with a 2.91 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and 92 strikeouts against 17 walks in 68 innings. Strasburg also averaged 12.2 strikeouts per nine innings, slightly higher than Skenes' current mark.

As if those numbers weren't enough, there's this tidbit: Skenes is only the second big league pitcher with multiple starts of six-plus innings, no hits, and 11-plus strikeouts in the same season. Nolan Ryan is the only other guy to do it, in 1973 with the Angels.

The No. 1 pick from the 2023 MLB Draft has arrived at the big leagues and begun to dominate in no time. He has already become one of the league's best pitchers. Skenes just finished his 11th major league start, and he only made 12 in the minor leagues and only threw 34 minor league innings.

Impact on the Pirates Franchise

The Nationals were a bottom-feeding team like the Pirates have been, but the Nationals did not have a deep and rich history for their fan base to attach any expectations. In contrast, the Pirates’ storied history presents a more loyal and eager fanbase praying for their team to return to the glory days. Skenes’ performance on the mound as a rookie this season has given Pirates fans hope for a return to glory, something that previously seemed like a distant dream.

The current situations of the teams are similar, and the immediate impact Strasburg and Skenes have demonstrated is comparable. However, Skenes’ importance in reigniting the deep and rich history of the Pittsburgh Pirates and making them relevant not only in the NL Central but in baseball as a whole is unprecedented. When the Pirates are relevant, baseball and the MLB are better—for the fans, players, and the league.

Praise and Expectations

Skenes' and Strasburg’s paths to MLB were also different. In high school, Strasburg was considered a sure-fire top MLB prospect, attracting major league scouts’ attention. He lived up to his high expectations in college and the MLB before injuries led to his premature retirement. Skenes, on the other hand, has a more unconventional journey, making his rise to prominence even more remarkable.

A rookie pitcher starting the All-Star Game after 11 big league starts is unheard of, yet Skenes has achieved this feat. His impact on the game is not a flash in the pan; it signals a new era for the Pirates and an exciting chapter for MLB.

Future Outlook

As Skenes continues to develop and refine his skills, the future looks bright for the Pirates. Analysts predict that with Skenes leading the rotation, the Pirates could become contenders in the NL Central and beyond. His presence not only boosts the team's performance but also rejuvenates a fanbase hungry for success.