Major League Baseball is continuing its quest to elevate its profile, placing a spotlight on the MLB Draft and integrating it into the highly-anticipated All-Star Game festivities. The 2023 MLB Draft was particularly notable, as LSU’s Paul Skenes was selected as the first overall pick, heralding a new chapter of excitement for the sport.
Skenes has delivered on the high expectations that come with being a number one overall draft pick, showcasing unprecedented performance since his debut. His rapid ascent reached a pinnacle in 2024, where he became the first number one overall draft pick to start the All-Star Game in the season following their draft. Skenes also earned the distinction of being the first rookie to start the All-Star Game since Hideo Nomo in 1995.
Unprecedented Rookie Success
Skenes’ numbers speak for themselves. With 11 MLB starts under his belt, he boasts an impressive 6-0 record and a 1.90 ERA. This level of success underscores his significant impact on the league in such a short timeframe.
Steven Kwan, the league’s current leader in batting average with a .352, stated, “It was cool to face off against them back-to-back.” This sentiment is echoed by other players who have faced Skenes.
All-Star Performance
During the All-Star Game, Skenes utilized a varied arsenal that included fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves. His fastball, which can reach up to 100 mph, and his sinker, ranging between 91 to 96 mph, proved particularly effective. Reflecting on a confrontation with hitters like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, Skenes said, “They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one.”
Soto acknowledged the challenge, noting, “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.” Meanwhile, Judge experienced the intensity of Skenes' pitching firsthand. Christian Yelich further explained the nuances of facing a pitcher like Skenes, “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.”
Technical Brilliance
Skenes’ mastery of his pitching array extends beyond just raw velocity. Yelich added, “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.”
In his latest outing, Skenes displayed his extraordinary talent by working seven no-hit innings and striking out 11 batters. Such performances reinforce his rising star status and solidify his place among the league's elite pitchers.
Batter's Perspective
Renowned hitters like Juan Soto have taken notice of Skenes' prowess. Soto discussed his approach to Skenes' formidable pitching, “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.”
Skenes’ presence on the mound has significantly influenced the game’s dynamics, as highlighted by Aaron Judge being placed in the cleanup spot by Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. This tactical move underscores the impact that a pitcher of Skenes' caliber can have on game strategy and player matchups.
In addition to Skenes, other players continue to make their mark this season. Gunnar Henderson has put together a strong batting line of .286/.373/.584 with 28 home runs, adding another layer of excitement to a season filled with compelling storylines.
Major League Baseball's initiatives to thrust young talent like Paul Skenes into the limelight are paying dividends. As Skenes continues to shatter expectations and set new benchmarks, his journey is a testament to the bright future of the game.