Major League Baseball is taking substantial steps forward in elevating its profile, most notably through its efforts surrounding the MLB Draft. By moving the first round of the Draft to primetime and weaving it into the excitement of the All-Star Game festivities, the league has successfully drawn greater attention and excitement to its newcomers.
Paul Skenes: A Rising Star
The 2023 MLB Draft marked a significant event as LSU's Paul Skenes was selected as the first overall pick. Skenes has quickly made a name for himself with a remarkable performance that has captured the league's attention. His unprecedented achievements have set him apart, securing his place as a key figure to watch.
In a historic feat, Paul Skenes became the first number one overall draft pick to start in the All-Star Game the season following their draft. Not since Hideo Nomo in 1995 has a rookie started in this prestigious game, cementing Skenes' status as a rookie phenom. In 2024, Skenes took the mound for the National League in the All-Star Game, showcasing his elite skills on one of baseball's biggest stages.
Exceptional Performance and Arsenal
Through 11 MLB starts, Skenes boasts an impressive 6-0 record with a 1.90 ERA. His varied pitching arsenal, which includes fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves, has kept batters off balance and contributed to his early success. Skenes' fastball is particularly electric, reaching speeds up to 100 mph, while his sinker ranges between 91 to 96 mph.
In one of his most recent outings, Skenes worked seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters, a testament to his dominance on the mound. Reflecting on this performance, he said, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back."
His remarkable skills have not gone unnoticed by fellow players. Aaron Judge commented on the experience, 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 also praised Skenes, noting, "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." He further 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."
Impressive League Leaders
While Skenes has captured headlines, other players are also making their mark this season. Steven Kwan leads the league with a .352 batting average, showcasing his consistency at the plate. Gunnar Henderson, with a batting line of .286/.373/.584 and 28 home runs, has proven to be a formidable hitter as well. Meanwhile, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy's decision to place Aaron Judge in the cleanup spot has added an extra layer of intrigue to the lineup.
High Praise from Peers
Soto, another significant name, shared his thoughts on facing Skenes, saying, "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."
The respect Skenes commands from his peers is evident. His ability to mix pitches and maintain control has set him apart from many rookies, and the accolades from experienced players like Aaron Judge and Christian Yelich further highlight his impact. "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 modestly remarked on his encounters with these star hitters.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Paul Skenes and his continued development. His early achievements have set high expectations, and his journey through the majors promises to be an exhilarating one.