Major League Baseball (MLB) has been taking significant steps to raise its profile, especially through its handling of the MLB Draft. This year, the league enhanced the event by moving the first round to primetime and linking it with the All-Star Game festivities. Among the standout moments of the 2023 MLB Draft was LSU's Paul Skenes being selected as the first overall pick. His selection has proven to be more than just a ceremonial honor; Skenes has made an immediate and powerful impact on the league.
Skenes' Rapid Rise
Paul Skenes' arrival in the Major Leagues has been nothing short of extraordinary. In his debut season, he has not only lived up to the expectations but has shattered historical records. Most notably, Skenes became the first number one overall draft pick to start in the All-Star Game in the season immediately following his draft. This feat has not been seen since Hideo Nomo took the mound as a rookie starter in the 1995 All-Star Game.
Skenes' All-Star appearance for the National League in 2024 was a testament to his extraordinary performance thus far. With an 11 MLB starts, he has posted a remarkable 6-0 record and an impressive 1.90 ERA. His ability to deliver under pressure and maintain composure has quickly made him a valuable asset to his team.
Dominant Pitching Arsenal
Skenes' success can be attributed to his versatile and powerful pitching arsenal. During his outings, he has effectively utilized a mix of fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves to keep batters off balance. His sinker, which ranges between 91 to 96 mph, has been particularly effective. Additionally, his fastball has been clocked at speeds up to 100 mph, allowing him to overpower hitters.
Speaking on Skenes' pitching abilities, Christian Yelich noted, "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. And when you have 100 in the tank, too, that’s when it’s a little different." Yelich further added, "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."
Memorable Outings
One of Skenes' most memorable outings came recently when he worked seven no-hit innings, striking out 11 batters. This performance not only highlighted his dominance on the mound but also his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. Reflecting on the game, Skenes remarked, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back," referring to a lineup that included challenging batters like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.
Judge, impressed by Skenes' skill, shared his thoughts as well, "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." Soto, on the other hand, commented on Skenes' pitching, 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."
League Leaders and Key Players
While Skenes has dominated the pitching scene, other players have made significant impacts in the league as well. Steven Kwan is leading the league with an impressive .352 batting average, showcasing his consistency at the plate. Gunnar Henderson has also been a standout performer with a batting line of .286/.373/.584 and 28 home runs, making him a formidable force for opposing pitchers.
Aaron Judge, now positioned in the cleanup spot by Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, continues to be a key player to watch. Judge's strategic placement in the batting order aims to maximize his power and on-base capabilities, further adding to the team's offensive strength.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on these standout performers. Paul Skenes, in particular, represents a bright future for Major League Baseball, combining talent, skill, and a winning mentality. With his rapid rise and exceptional performances, Skenes is not only making headlines but also setting a new standard for rookies in the league.