In a continued effort to elevate its profile, Major League Baseball has strategically moved the first round of the MLB Draft to primetime and linked it with the All-Star Game festivities. This move has certainly paid off, highlighted by the meteoric rise of LSU’s Paul Skenes, the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
Paul Skenes has quickly cemented himself as a standout player, not just for his draft position but for his groundbreaking performance on the field. His unrivaled display of skill has culminated in a historic feat—becoming the first number one overall draft pick to start the All-Star Game in the season following their draft. It was a momentous occasion for a player who has already rewritten several records.
Rising to the Occasion
Skenes has dazzled with an 11-start record of 6-0 and a 1.90 ERA. His All-Star Game start for the National League in 2024 not only underscored his talent but also placed him in a rarefied group of rookies. The last time a rookie started the All-Star Game was Hideo Nomo in 1995, making Skenes’ achievement all the more impressive.
The rookie’s latest outing further demonstrated his prowess. In a remarkable performance, Skenes worked seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters. The way he finessed his pitches showcased a level of mastery that belies his years. He utilized a repertoire of fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves, effectively keeping hitters off balance.
The Art of Pitching
Christian Yelich eloquently captured what makes Skenes so special: "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." Skenes’ fastball, which can reach up to 100 mph, combined with a sinker ranging between 91 to 96 mph, offers a dynamic one-two punch that keeps hitters guessing.
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."
His opponents have taken notice, with Juan Soto remarking on Skenes’ repertoire, “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.” It wasn’t just Soto who was challenged by Skenes’ variety and power; Aaron Judge also found himself battling against the young pitcher. "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," said Judge.
Eye on the Future
As Paul Skenes continues to capture the collective imagination of baseball enthusiasts, his rise coincides with other standout performances across the league. Steven Kwan leads with a .352 average, and Gunnar Henderson boasts an impressive batting line of .286/.373/.584 with 28 home runs. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge, now under the guidance of Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, remains a formidable presence in the cleanup spot.
Skenes’ journey from a highly-touted prospect to a rookie phenom reflects MLB’s broader efforts to spotlight new talent. His ability to consistently outmaneuver seasoned hitters and deliver standout performances underscores a promising career ahead. As Skenes succinctly put it regarding a recent matchup, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back." The sentiment encapsulates not just the competitive spirit that drives him but also the excitement surrounding his potential.