Major League Baseball has been actively seeking avenues to enhance its visibility and excitement, particularly through innovations surrounding the MLB Draft. One such notable change was moving the first round of the draft to primetime and intertwining it with the All-Star Game festivities. This move has paid dividends, with the 2023 MLB Draft creating notable headlines as LSU's Paul Skenes was selected as the first overall pick.
Paul Skenes has taken the league by storm with unprecedented performances. His impressive debut season has not only turned heads but also etched his name into the history books. In 2024, Skenes earned the distinction of starting the All-Star Game for the National League, making him the first number one overall draft pick to achieve this feat in the season following their draft. This milestone is a testament to his skill and readiness to compete at the highest level, reminiscent of Hideo Nomo, the last rookie to start the All-Star Game back in 1995.
Skenes' rookie season statistics have been nothing short of remarkable. He has 11 MLB starts under his belt, boasting a 6-0 record with a stellar 1.90 ERA. His pitching arsenal, which includes fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves, has proven to be highly effective. Skenes' fastball can reach up to 100 mph, making it a formidable weapon, while his sinker ranges between 91 to 96 mph, adding another layer of complexity for batters. In a recent outing, Skenes worked seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
Reflecting on his recent performance, Skenes said, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back."
His ability to challenge top-tier hitters has not gone unnoticed. "They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one," Skenes added, highlighting the competitive nature of his matchups.
New York Yankees' star Aaron Judge also praised Skenes, stating, "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."
Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers weighed in on Skenes' performance and pitching style: "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 further elaborated, "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."
San Diego Padres’ star Juan Soto also had his observations: "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." His candid remarks underscore the respect Skenes has garnered among elite hitters.
In addition to Skenes' standout performances, Steven Kwan is currently leading the league with a .352 average, while Gunnar Henderson sports an impressive batting line of .286/.373/.584 with 28 home runs. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge has been strategically positioned in the cleanup spot by Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, signifying his key role in the team's lineup strategy.
As the MLB continues to innovate and elevate the profile of the draft and rookie players, Paul Skenes stands out as a shining example of the league's future. His historic achievements and remarkable skill have undoubtedly set a high bar for those who follow in his footsteps. With each game, Skenes not only proves his worth but also fuels the excitement and passion of baseball fans everywhere.