The Rise of Paul Skenes: MLB's Newest Phenomenon
Major League Baseball is making significant efforts to elevate its profile, and its attention to the MLB Draft is a central part of this strategy. In a move designed to increase interest, the league has shifted the first round of the draft to primetime, tying it with the All-Star Game festivities. These changes are already bearing fruit, as seen with the rise of LSU's Paul Skenes, the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
Skenes has rapidly ascended the ranks, capturing the attention of both fans and analysts with his extraordinary performance. By 2024, he not only made the All-Star Game roster but also achieved a groundbreaking milestone by starting the game for the National League. This achievement marked him as the first number-one overall draft pick to start the All-Star Game in the season following their draft, echoing Hideo Nomo’s feat in 1995 as a rookie starter.
His statistics speak volumes about his capabilities. With 11 MLB starts, Skenes has maintained a 6-0 record and a remarkable 1.90 ERA. His pitching arsenal, which includes fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves, has proven to be highly effective. Notably, his sinker ranges between 91 to 96 mph, while his fastball can reach up to a blistering 100 mph. In his latest outing, Skenes pitched seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
The league's top talents have taken notice. In a post-game interview, Skenes reflected on his experience, saying, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back." He specifically highlighted his encounters with stars like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, noting, "They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one."
Aaron Judge, who faced Skenes in the All-Star Game, also shared his thoughts, "I got the chance to battle and watch [Soto] battle against one of the young studs in the NL right now, it was pretty cool."
Veteran outfielder Christian Yelich offered high praise for Skenes' pitching approach, "Not downplaying 100, but you see 100 a lot. There's a lot of guys who throw 100, but he's not up there just ripping 100. He's pitching." Yelich acknowledged the strategic complexity of Skenes’ pitches, adding, "And when you have 100 in the tank, too, that's when it’s a little different. He was changing speeds with us, [the sinker] was anywhere from 91 to 95-96 and his fastball is 100. He knows how to use his arsenal, it kind of seemed like he knew what he was doing, setting us up. He was pretty advanced."
Juan Soto also recognized Skenes' prowess, "I think it was a split, it’s a pretty good pitch. I watched it twice so I was definitely trying to get used to it. I was trying to take him deep, no lie."
While Skenes is making headlines on the mound, other players are also having standout seasons. Steven Kwan is leading the league with an impressive .352 average. Meanwhile, Gunnar Henderson boasts a strong batting line of .286/.373/.584 with 28 home runs, providing a well-rounded offensive performance.
The managerial decisions also play a crucial role in these performances, with Rangers manager Bruce Bochy placing Aaron Judge in the cleanup spot, a strategic move aimed at maximizing the team's offensive potential.
As MLB continues to evolve, the emergence of talents like Paul Skenes is a testament to the league's efforts to foster and highlight new stars. With his combination of raw talent, strategic pitching, and competitive spirit, Skenes is poised to be a key figure in baseball’s future. Fans and pundits alike will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see how his career unfolds in the seasons to come.