Major League Baseball has been taking significant strides to elevate its presence, and one of its recent initiatives involves the MLB Draft. By shifting the first round of the draft to primetime and integrating it with the All-Star Game festivities, the league has successfully garnered heightened attention. The 2023 MLB Draft, in particular, has become a pivotal moment, highlighted by LSU's Paul Skenes being chosen as the first overall pick.
The spotlight on Skenes has only grown since his drafting. His remarkable performance on the mound has resonated across the league, setting a historic mark in his rookie season. In 2024, Skenes etched his name in the annals of baseball by starting the All-Star Game for the National League, an honor that's rarely bestowed upon rookies. This achievement made him the first number one overall draft pick to start the All-Star Game in the season immediately following their draft and the first rookie to do so since Hideo Nomo in 1995.
Skenes' stats speak volumes about his impact on the game. With 11 MLB starts, he boasts an impressive 6-0 record and a remarkable 1.90 ERA. Such numbers not only demonstrate his dominance but also underline his potential to shape the future landscape of baseball.
Skenes' arsenal includes an array of pitches that have left batters confounded. Utilizing fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves, he effectively keeps hitters off balance. His sinker, clocking in between 91 to 96 mph, and his fastball, reaching up to 100 mph, have proved particularly challenging for opponents. In a recent outing, Skenes showcased his prowess by delivering seven no-hit innings and striking out 11 batters.
Facing the Big Names
Paul Skenes' ability to rise to the occasion was evident during his encounters with some of the league's premier hitters. Reflecting on facing renowned sluggers like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge, Skenes stated, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back." He elaborated on the challenge, saying, "They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one."
Aaron Judge, himself an iconic figure in baseball, was equally impressed by Skenes. "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," Judge remarked.
Garnering Respect
Veteran players have taken notice of Skenes' advanced approach on the mound. Christian Yelich, a seasoned hitter, noted Skenes' effectiveness, remarking, "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 further emphasized Skenes' skill in pitch selection, observing, "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."
Juan Soto also shared his perspective on facing Skenes, highlighting the challenge posed by the young pitcher. "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 candidly admitted.
Rising Stars and Veteran Presence
As Skenes continues to carve out his legacy, other players are making their mark this season. Steven Kwan currently leads the league with a .352 batting average, while Gunnar Henderson has put up an impressive batting line of .286/.373/.584 with 28 home runs. On the managerial front, Bruce Bochy of the Rangers made a noteworthy move by placing Aaron Judge in the cleanup spot, further accentuating the strategic depth of the game.
The emergence of Paul Skenes and the sustained performance of established stars like Kwan and Henderson underscore the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of Major League Baseball. As the league continues to innovate and promote its talent through initiatives like the revamped MLB Draft, the future of baseball looks nothing short of exhilarating.