Major League Baseball continues to elevate its profile through strategic moves surrounding the MLB Draft, marking a pivotal shift in the sport. The league's decision to move the first round of the draft to primetime and link it with All-Star Game festivities has significantly increased its visibility, capturing the attention of fans and players alike.
One standout figure from the 2023 MLB Draft is LSU's Paul Skenes, who was selected as the first overall pick. Skenes hasn’t just lived up to the hype; he's shattered expectations. His remarkable performance across the league has earned him a place among baseball's elite.
All-Star Recognition for a Rookie Sensation
The 2024 season added another feather to Skenes’ cap when he started the All-Star Game for the National League. This achievement was historic, as Skenes became the first number one overall draft pick to start the All-Star Game in the season immediately following their draft. Notably, he is the first rookie to achieve this feat since Hideo Nomo in 1995—a testament to his immediate impact and exceptional talent.
Skenes' statistics are nothing short of staggering. In his first 11 MLB starts, he has posted a 6-0 record with a mere 1.90 ERA. His dominance on the mound includes a mix of fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves that have baffled hitters. His sinker, which ranges between 91 to 96 mph, and his fastball, which can touch 100 mph, are part of a potent arsenal.
Pitching Prowess
In his latest outing, Skenes worked seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters, showcasing his ability to dominate on the mound. Reflecting on his experiences facing top hitters, Skenes remarked, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back." He continued, "They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one."
Even seasoned players respect Skenes' talent. "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," said Christian Yelich, highlighting Skenes' strategic use of his pitch arsenal. Yelich added, "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."
Paul Skenes' fast emergence in MLB can also be seen through the eyes of his competitors. Aaron Judge, who faced Skenes during a game, shared, "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."
A Rising Star Amidst Established Talent
Apart from Skenes, other players have also been making waves. Steven Kwan has been leading the league with an impressive .352 average, and Gunnar Henderson boasts a batting line of .286/.373/.584 with 28 home runs. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge was strategically placed in the cleanup spot by Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, hinting at strategic shifts within teams to optimize player strengths.
Beyond the stats, the personal encounters with Skenes make for compelling narratives. Juan Soto, after facing Skenes' unique pitching, commented, "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." Such candid reflections from established stars add another layer of credibility to Skenes' burgeoning reputation.
The rise of Paul Skenes is a story of talent meeting opportunity. His rapid ascent from the first overall draft pick to an All-Star Game starter and his continued dominance on the field underscores a burgeoning career that promises to captivate baseball fans for years to come. As MLB continues to elevate its events and showcase its premier talents, players like Skenes are leading the charge, ensuring the sport remains thrilling and unpredictable.