Major League Baseball (MLB) has been proactive in enhancing its popularity and visibility. A significant step in this direction is the spotlight on the MLB Draft, which has been shifted to primetime and synchronized with the All-Star Game festivities. This move underscores the league's dedication to celebrating up-and-coming talent, and no player exemplifies this emphasis better than LSU’s Paul Skenes, the 2023 first overall draft pick.
Paul Skenes: A Rising Star
Selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Paul Skenes has rapidly made a name for himself in the league with exceptional performances. Right from his rookie season, Skenes has shown why he was a top choice. In 2024, he achieved a historic milestone by starting the All-Star Game for the National League, becoming the first number one overall draft pick to do so in the season following their draft.
Skenes' performance has been nothing short of phenomenal. He's the first rookie to start the All-Star Game since Hideo Nomo's memorable appearance in 1995. With an 11-start record showcasing a 6-0 standing and an impressive 1.90 ERA, the baseball world has taken note. His pitching repertoire, which includes fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves, has kept batters on their toes. Notably, his sinker clocks in between 91 and 96 mph, while his fastball can touch the 100 mph mark.
In a recent standout game, Skenes worked through seven no-hit innings, striking out 11 batters and proving his dominance on the mound.
Batter Battles: Skenes’ Early Duels
After his electrifying start in the All-Star Game, Skenes reflected on his experience saying, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back." Highlighting his competitive spirit, he added, "They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one."
The enthusiasm wasn't one-sided. Aaron Judge expressed his admiration for Skenes' prowess, remarking, "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 high praise from established stars like Judge further cements Skenes’ place in the league.
Even seasoned hitters like Christian Yelich were taken aback by Skenes' skills. "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."
Even Juan Soto, whom Skenes described as a tough at-bat, acknowledged the challenge. Reflecting on one of Skenes' pitches, Soto commented, "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."
League Leaders and Strategic Moves
While Skenes has been a focal point, other players are also making headlines. Steven Kwan is leading the league with an impressive .352 batting average, a testament to his consistency and skill at the plate. Meanwhile, Gunnar Henderson boasts a robust batting line of .286/.373/.584 with 28 home runs, showcasing his power and versatility.
Experienced managers are also making strategic moves to leverage their players' strengths. Bruce Bochy, managing the Rangers, notably placed Aaron Judge in the cleanup spot, intending to capitalize on Judge’s formidable presence at the plate.
The seamless integration of emerging and established talent, strategic managerial decisions, and the league’s efforts to spotlight the MLB Draft are collectively driving Major League Baseball forward. As exemplified by Paul Skenes, the future of the league looks both dynamic and promising, with fans eagerly watching every pitch.