Major League Baseball's continued efforts to elevate the profile of the MLB Draft are paying dividends. With the league shifting the first round to primetime and aligning it with the All-Star Game festivities, the 2023 MLB Draft garnered considerable attention, especially with LSU's Paul Skenes being selected as the first overall pick.
Paul Skenes has swiftly lived up to the hype. In a historic move, Skenes not only made his mark in the league but shattered multiple records. By 2024, he started 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. This feat had not been accomplished since Hideo Nomo in 1995, showcasing Skenes's remarkable impact as a rookie.
Skenes's performance on the mound has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over 11 MLB starts, he has maintained an impressive 6-0 record and a 1.90 ERA, demonstrating a blend of control and power rare for any pitcher, let alone a rookie. His repertoire includes fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves, with his fastball touching speeds up to 100 mph and his sinker ranging between 91 to 96 mph.
In his latest outing, Skenes delivered seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters, leaving hitters in awe. Describing his experience, he said, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back." Facing tough opponents like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, Skenes noted, "They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one."
Even seasoned hitters like Christian Yelich have been impressed by Skenes's skill. "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 explained. He further 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."
Furthermore, Juan Soto acknowledged Skenes's prowess, particularly noting his strategy and pitch selection. "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," Soto admitted.
While Skenes's emergence is grabbing headlines, other players are equally making their mark this season. Steven Kwan leads the league with a .352 average, showcasing his consistent batting prowess. Meanwhile, Gunnar Henderson boasts a batting line of .286/.373/.584 with 28 home runs, underscoring his power at the plate. Aaron Judge, another standout performer, has been strategically positioned in the cleanup spot by Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, emphasizing his critical role in the lineup.
The young phenom, Paul Skenes, stands out not just for his speed and control but also for his understanding of the game and strategic acumen. As the MLB continues to innovate and enhance its appeal, players like Skenes exemplify the potential and excitement that the league's future holds.