Major League Baseball is continually making efforts to elevate its profile, and one of the standout initiatives has been the enhancement of the MLB Draft. By shifting the first round to primetime and integrating it into the All-Star Game festivities, the league is generating increased attention and excitement. The 2023 MLB Draft, in particular, has been a testament to these efforts, with LSU's Paul Skenes emerging as the first overall pick.
Paul Skenes has quickly made an indelible mark on the league with his exceptional performance, setting unprecedented milestones in his rookie season. In 2024, Skenes started the All-Star Game for the National League, making history as the first number one overall draft pick to do so in the season following their draft. Notably, he is also the first rookie to start the All-Star Game since Hideo Nomo in 1995.
Historic Rookie Performance
Skenes has made an impressive 11 starts in Major League Baseball, boasting an undefeated 6-0 record and a stellar 1.90 ERA. His performance has garnered the notice and respect of players and analysts across the league. One of his recent outings was particularly remarkable, where he pitched seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters, demonstrating his commanding presence on the mound.
Skillful Arsenal
What sets Skenes apart is not just his velocity but his strategic use of a varied arsenal. Skenes employs fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves to keep batters off balance. His fastball can reach speeds up to 100 mph, while his sinker ranges between 91 to 96 mph, offering him a formidable set of tools to dominate hitters. Christian Yelich noted, "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."
Facing the Best
During his games, Skenes has had the opportunity to face off against some of the league's most prominent hitters, including Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back," Skenes remarked. "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 reciprocated the respect, "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." Soto also acknowledged the challenge, saying, "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."
Other Standout Performances
While Skenes is grabbing headlines, other players are also making significant contributions. Steven Kwan leads the league with a .352 average, showcasing his consistent ability to get on base. Meanwhile, Gunnar Henderson has impressed with a batting line of .286/.373/.584 and 28 home runs, establishing himself as a power threat.
Aaron Judge, known for his formidable hitting, has been strategically positioned in the cleanup spot by Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, a move aimed at maximizing the team’s offensive potential.
Overall, the infusion of young talent from the MLB Draft and established stars' continued excellence are making for an exhilarating season. As Paul Skenes continues to rise, his journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts, with each outing offering another glimpse into his potential to become one of the greats in baseball history.