The Pittsburgh Pirates haven’t had a pitcher like Paul Skenes in a long time. After being selected No. 1 overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes arrived in the majors with immense hype. Some expectations come with being a top pick. And somehow, he not only met those expectations—he exceeded them. But for Pirates fans who watched him dominate in 2024, here’s the best part: he’s only getting started.
A Rookie Season to Remember
Skenes made his MLB debut on May 11, 2024, at Wrigley Field. This is one of baseball’s most iconic venues. He played against the Chicago Cubs. While his first outing was a learning experience, it didn’t take long for him to make his mark. Six days later, he started his second career at PNC Park. It was also against the Cubs. He left no doubt about his potential. He struck out 11 batters over six scoreless innings to earn his first career win.
By season’s end, Skenes had put together a stat line. It cemented his place among the game’s best young pitchers. He achieved an 11-3 record across 23 starts and pitched 133 innings. His ERA was a minuscule 1.96, and he had a staggering 170 strikeouts to just 32 walks. His dominance earned him National League Rookie of the Year honors and a third-place finish in NL Cy Young voting. In his first season, he was also named an All-Star—a rare feat that signaled just how special his talent is.
Power, Precision, and a Devastating Change-up
What makes Skenes so elite? It starts with his overpowering fastball, which he leaned on 39.2% of the time last season, averaging 98.8 mph and frequently touching triple digits. He pairs that with a 94-mph sinker (28.4% usage), which generates weak contact and sets up his devastating secondary pitches.
His power pitches are what catch fans’ attention. However, his change-up is quietly one of the most lethal weapons in his arsenal. Though he used it just 5.4% of the time, it boasted a ridiculous 54.8% whiff rate and a .088 opponent batting average. That 87.3 mph change-up—12 mph slower than his fastball—acts as a true out-pitch, keeping hitters completely off balance. With the mix of pitches Skene’s uses, any of them can be considered a putaway pitch. That is why he is dominant now and will be for years to come.
The Ace of the Future
In just one year, Skenes has become the Pirates’ unquestioned ace. He is also the face of the franchise. His presence on the mound gives Pittsburgh a legitimate frontline starter who can anchor the rotation for years to come.
The next step? It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him win the Cy Young Award as early as 2025. With continued refinement and experience, Skenes has the talent to elevate his game even further. If the Pirates can provide him with offensive support, there’s even a chance he could earn MVP votes. This achievement is almost unheard of for a pitcher in today’s game.
Having watched legends like Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, and Nolan Ryan growing up personally. It’s easy to envision a similar trajectory for Skenes. He has all the tools, the work ethic, and the mindset to be one of the greatest.
For Pirates fans, the excitement surrounding Skenes is only just beginning. If his rookie season was any indication, the best is yet to come.
