The Pittsburgh Pirates are banking on a generational talent in -born pitcher Paul Skenes. Just over a year after being selected first overall in the MLB Draft, the right-hander is already being hailed as a potential cornerstone of the franchise, and a pitcher who arrives as the finished product rather than a project.
Skenes’ rapid ascent to prominence wasn’t a foregone conclusion. His path included a unique detour through the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned the John Olerud Award in , recognizing the nation’s top two-way player in college baseball. However, ahead of his junior season, Skenes transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU), a move that ultimately propelled him to the top of MLB draft boards.
At LSU, Skenes quickly established himself as a dominant force. He earned Southeastern Conference and national pitcher of the year honors, culminating in the Dick Howser Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best collegiate player. He was a key component of LSU’s Men’s College World Series championship team, earning Most Outstanding Player honors for his performance throughout the tournament. Scouts began to take notice, and comparisons to Stephen Strasburg, a former No. 1 overall pick himself, began to surface.
The Pirates, holding the coveted first overall pick, didn’t hesitate. They sent Dewey Robinson, a special advisor on pitching development with over 40 years of coaching experience, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to evaluate Skenes firsthand. Robinson’s report, reportedly just two pages long, was unequivocal: We’ve got to take this guy
, he told MLB.com. He’s one in a decade. You don’t get an opportunity to get a guy walking into your camp like this. Some guys you can develop over years and get to that point, but he’s walking in as that guy.
The Pirates signed Skenes to a record-breaking $9.2 million bonus.
Skenes’ impact was immediate upon reaching the professional ranks. He quickly topped MLB Pipeline’s prospect chart, becoming the top-ranked pitcher in the sport before even throwing a professional pitch. He made his MLB debut on , for the Pirates, and quickly demonstrated why he was so highly touted.
Through the season, Skenes has compiled a record of 21 wins and 13 losses, with an impressive earned run average of 1.96. He has also struck out 386 batters, showcasing his ability to dominate opposing hitters. His performance earned him two All-Star selections (, ), two All-MLB First Team honors (, ), and the NL Rookie of the Year award in . In , he further cemented his status as one of the league’s elite pitchers, leading the National League in ERA and winning the prestigious NL Cy Young Award.
Skenes’ success isn’t solely attributed to his overpowering fastball and wipeout slider, the two pitches that initially caught the attention of scouts. Robinson’s evaluation highlighted not only his physical gifts but also his makeup as a person
and how advanced he was in his development
. This combination of talent and character has allowed Skenes to seamlessly transition to the major leagues and perform at an exceptionally high level.
The Pirates’ investment in Skenes appears to be paying dividends. He has quickly become a fan favorite and a symbol of hope for a franchise looking to return to contention. His presence at the top of the rotation provides a significant boost to the team’s chances of success, and his continued development will be crucial to their long-term outlook. Skenes represents more than just a promising young pitcher; he embodies the potential for a new era of Pirates baseball.
