Paul Skenes’ climb to popularity has been nothing short of spectacular. Skenes was taken as the first overall choice by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft, following a brilliant collegiate career that concluded in leading LSU to a national championship.
The towering right-hander brought with him not only a fastball that regularly reaches triple digits but also an unrivaled calmness that has translated perfectly to the major leagues. Now that his professional career has begun, Skenes is already making headlines as one of baseball’s most electric young arms.
Paul Skenes’ Rise to the Top
At LSU, Skenes quickly established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in college baseball history. His 2023 season was historic: a 13–2 record, a 1.69 ERA, and 209 strikeouts in just 122.2 innings. His performance earned him the Dick Howser Trophy, the National Pitcher of the Year Award, and the College World Series Most Outstanding Player. His blend of velocity, control, and a devastating slider made him nearly unhittable—and a no-brainer for the Pirates when it came time to make the first overall selection.
Paul Skenes knows he’s one of one 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Lk75EMs9x7
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 29, 2025
Since joining the Pirates, Skenes has done nothing but live up to the hype. His minor league appearances were brief but electric, showcasing his 100+ mph fastball and elite strikeout ability.
Now in the big leagues, Skenes has quickly proved that he’s more than ready to face the game’s elite. His starts have been marked by dominance, including multiple double-digit strikeout games and a growing reputation as a fierce competitor who thrives under the brightest lights.
ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan added fuel to the excitement surrounding Skenes when he boldly stated:
“If Paul Skenes stays healthy, he’s going to be in the Hall of Fame and he’s going to be a first ballot Hall of Famer. That’s how good he is.”
Health is Key
It’s a high comparison, but Skenes’ prospective trajectory is similar to Derek Jeter’s, the legendary Yankees shortstop who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.
Passan highlights the importance of health. Pitchers with Skenes’ velocity and intensity are often at high risk for arm injury, but his mechanics and conditioning have so far laid a solid foundation. If he stays on this road, keeping healthy and honing his craft, he might become the Pirates’ generational ace and one of baseball’s all-time greats.
In an era when fans crave stars who can grab their imaginations, Skenes is already making his case. LSU star, first-round draft pick, and potential Cooperstown legend.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
