Ever since his promotion to the major leagues, Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes has made an indelible mark on the league. As the top pick in the 2023 MLB Draft out of LSU, Skenes entered the professional ranks with enormous expectations. Regarded as one of the most promising pitching talents in recent memory, he was often compared to Stephen Strasburg and Mark Prior for his exceptional polish and readiness.
However, it quickly became apparent that the lofty expectations placed on Skenes were justified, if not modest. In a historic debut, he achieved feats unmatched in baseball history. Through nine starts, Skenes boasts a flawless 4-0 record accompanied by a stellar 2.06 ERA. Over 52.1 innings pitched, he has allowed just 44 hits and 10 walks, yielding a mere 12 earned runs while striking out an impressive 70 batters.
Notably, Skenes stands alone in the annals of MLB history as the sole pitcher to tally at least 70 strikeouts while conceding 12 or fewer runs in his first nine starts. His dominance extends beyond statistical achievements; his splitter has emerged as the most feared pitch in the game, leaving opposing hitters baffled and ineffective.
Already, the LSU prodigy is solidifying his place among the elite pitchers in baseball. His advanced metrics are off the charts, positioning him at or near the top in several key categories once he accrues enough innings to qualify.
Critically, Skenes has excelled against formidable lineups, proving himself capable against any opponent he faces. With a promising cohort of pitchers including Mitch Keller and Jared Jones, the Pirates are poised to unsettle any playoff contender. Should Pittsburgh enhance their offensive firepower and secure a postseason berth, navigating a series against the formidable trio of Skenes, Keller, and Jones will present a daunting challenge for any opponent.
