Major League Baseball has been actively working to elevate its public profile, with one significant move being the shift of the first round of the MLB Draft to primetime, tying it in with the All-Star Game festivities. This year, fans witnessed a historical event during the 2023 MLB Draft when LSU's Paul Skenes was selected as the first overall pick, initiating a journey that has already left an indelible mark on the sport.
Paul Skenes: A Phenomenal Rookie Season
Paul Skenes has quickly risen to stardom with unprecedented performances across the league. In 2024, Skenes didn’t just join the National League All-Star team; he started the All-Star Game, becoming the first number one overall draft pick to achieve this feat in the season immediately following their draft. This accomplishment also marked him as the first rookie to start the All-Star Game since Hideo Nomo in 1995. Skenes' commanding presence on the mound, backed by his remarkable skill set, has captivated fans and critics alike.
Unmatched Performance
In just 11 MLB starts, Skenes boasts an impressive 6-0 record with a striking 1.90 ERA. His pitching repertoire includes a blend of fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves, demonstrating his versatility and command. His fastball, capable of hitting 100 mph, combined with a sinker ranging between 91 to 96 mph, has left batters reeling. During his latest outing, Skenes worked seven no-hit innings, striking out 11 batters, showcasing his ability to dominate on the diamond.
Facing the Best: Quotes from the Field
Skenes himself seemed elated about facing top-tier talent. "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back," he said, reflecting on the competition. 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." This level of poise and confidence has only heightened his reputation among peers.
Even seasoned players like Christian Yelich have taken notice of Skenes' prowess. "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," Yelich observed, highlighting Skenes' strategic approach. 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."
Juan Soto, another established player, commented on the challenge of facing Skenes. "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," Soto confessed, acknowledging the high level of difficulty Skenes imposes on batters.
Standout Performances Across the League
While Skenes' star continues to rise, other players are also making significant impacts this season. Steven Kwan is currently leading the league with a .352 batting average, displaying remarkable consistency at the plate. Meanwhile, Gunnar Henderson has been a powerhouse, boasting a batting line of .286/.373/.584 along with 28 home runs, solidifying his status as a formidable hitter.
Aaron Judge has also found himself in a new role, as Rangers manager Bruce Bochy placed him in the cleanup spot, a move that speaks volumes about his hitting prowess and ability to drive in runs when it counts most.
As MLB continues to innovate and promote its stars, the outstanding performances of players like Paul Skenes are likely to play a pivotal role in capturing the imagination of fans and enhancing the game's profile on a global scale.