Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ first overall pick last year, had a historic rookie season in the MLB. He dominated the minors and was called up to the big leagues in May, earning an All-Star nod and starting pitcher spot for the National League. In his final start of the season against the New York Yankees, he showcased his ace-like abilities, striking out hitters with a 100 mph two-seamer and a devastating breaking ball. Despite only pitching two innings, he finished his rookie season with a 1.96 ERA, the lowest among pitchers with over 100 innings pitched in the live-ball era, as well as striking out 11.5 batters per nine innings and a WHIP of 0.95.
Skenes, a 22-year-old LSU alum, is dating Livvy Dunne, an LSU Tigers gymnast and social media sensation, who was impressed by his performance against the Yankees. Although Skenes is not qualified for the ERA title due to not meeting the required innings pitched threshold, his performance this season has already solidified him as an ace and someone who will be in the conversation for the Cy Young Award for years to come. His dominating presence on the mound and ability to shut down batters has garnered attention and respect across the league, making him a player to watch in the future.
Although the Pirates had initially stated they wouldn’t leave Skenes on the bump for too long in his final start, he made the most of the opportunity to showcase his skills. His final pitch of the season, a devastating two-seamer that Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. looked at for strike three, was fitting for the dominating season he had put together. With a strong performance in his last outing, he went six up, six down, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and dominant pitcher in the MLB. Despite not meeting the required innings threshold to qualify for the ERA title, Skenes has already made his mark as a standout rookie pitcher in the league.
Skenes’ consistency and dominance on the mound throughout his rookie season have set him apart as a player to watch in the future. His ability to strike out batters at a high rate, along with his low ERA and WHIP, have established him as an ace in the making. While he may not win the Cy Young Award this year due to the innings pitch requirement, his performance has already caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. Moving forward, Skenes is poised to have a successful career in the MLB, with the potential to become one of the top pitchers in the league for years to come.
As Skenes’ rookie season comes to a close, he has left a lasting impression on the league with his dominant performances and impressive statistics. His performance against the New York Yankees in his final start showcased his ace-like abilities and further solidified his position as a rising star in the MLB. With a talented roster of players around him and a promising future ahead, Skenes is poised to continue making a significant impact on the game and establish himself as one of the top pitchers in the league for years to come. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on his career trajectory as he progresses in the league.
