Major League Baseball has taken significant steps to elevate its profile and deepen its integration with popular mid-season festivities. One of the league's key initiatives has been the restructuring of the MLB Draft to coincide with the All-Star Game festivities, and these changes are already bearing fruit. The 2023 MLB Draft particularly highlighted LSU standout Paul Skenes, who was selected as the first overall pick, marking a pivotal moment in the league's recent history.
Paul Skenes: A Rising Star
Skenes has made an indelible mark on the league with an unprecedented performance that extends beyond initial expectations. In a remarkable turn of events, Skenes started the All-Star Game for the National League in 2024, becoming the first number one overall draft pick to do so in the season following their draft. This achievement also made him the first rookie to start an All-Star Game since Hideo Nomo in 1995.
Throughout his debut season, Skenes has compiled an impressive record, with 11 MLB starts resulting in a 6-0 record and a stellar 1.90 ERA. His performance on the mound is defined by a diverse pitching arsenal, featuring fastballs that can reach up to 100 mph, alongside sinkers, sliders, and curves. His sinker, particularly noteworthy, ranges between 91 to 96 mph, adding a layer of complexity that has flummoxed batters consistently.
Skenes' latest outing was a testament to his growing prowess, as he worked seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters, further cementing his reputation as a formidable force on the mound.
Facing Off Against the Best
The reactions from some of the league's top hitters underscore the challenge Skenes poses. "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back," Skenes said, reflecting on the competitive spirit that drives his game. Batters like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge have recognized the difficulty in squaring off against Skenes. Soto admitted, "They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one."
Judge himself acknowledged the caliber of Skenes' pitching, 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." Such interactions highlight the respect Skenes has quickly garnered among his peers.
A Pitcher's Precision
Christian Yelich provided further insights into what makes Skenes exceptional. "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. He elaborated, "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 also weighed in on Skenes' technique: "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 insights from experienced veterans like Yelich and Soto illustrate the strategic acumen Skenes brings to the table, blending raw power with sophisticated control.
Batting Standouts
While Skenes shines on the mound, offensive talents across the league also continue to draw attention. Steven Kwan leads the league with a .352 average, demonstrating consistent performance at the plate. Gunnar Henderson has also emerged as a formidable hitter, boasting a batting line of .286/.373/.584 with 28 home runs. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge, another formidable presence, has been strategically placed in the cleanup spot by Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, enhancing his team’s offensive dynamics.
As MLB continues to innovate and integrate new strategies to enhance the game’s appeal, the success of emerging stars like Paul Skenes signals a promising future for the league. His remarkable debut season and other breakout performances across the league ensure that baseball remains an exciting and evolving sport, capturing the attention of fans and players alike.