Player Profile: Paul Skenes

Paul Skenes was born in Fullerton, California, on May 29, 2002. He played high school baseball at El Toro High School in Lake Forest, CA.

Skenes, in high school, was a catcher, and at the plate, he hit .353 with 41 hits, 14 doubles, four home runs, 26 RBI, and 16 runs scored. As a pitcher on the varsity team, he made 13 appearances, going 0-0 with a 0.80 ERA, four saves, and 31 strikeouts.

Skenes was the 55th-ranked Catcher in California and the seventh overall Catcher. Nationally, he was ranked 400^th overall and 35^th as a Catcher.

Where Did Paul Skenes Go To College?

Skenes attended Air Force Academy to start his collegiate career, and in two seasons there, he made 33 appearances, not becoming a starter until his sophomore year; he went 11-4 with a 2.72 ERA and 126 strikeouts. He would transfer to Louisiana State University, making 19 starts, going 12-2 with a 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts. Following his first season, he played summer ball in the Cape Cop Baseball League for Wareham, making five appearances, with two of those being starts going 0-0 with a 5.63 ERA and 11 strikeouts.

When Was Paul Skenes Drafted

Skenes was the top-rated prospect entering the 2023 MLB Draft and he would be taken first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Paul Skenes Pirates Tenure

2023

After being drafted, Skenes jumped towards the top of the rankings, ranking him third overall according to MLB. He pitched across three levels at rookie ball, Single-A Bradenton, and Double-A Altoona before being shut down for the season. He posted a 0-0 record in five starts with a 5.40 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, a 0.0 HR/9, a 2.7 BB/9, and a 13.5 K/9.

Future

ITD ranks Skenes as the Pirates’ top-ranked prospect and the fourth overall prospect entering 2024. Skenes could reach the Pirates as early as 2024. What role remains to be seen could be as a starter or reliever.