Paul Skenes has made a massive impact in his rookie season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, earning finalist spots for both the NL Rookie of the Year and NL Cy Young Awards. Drafted as the top pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes quickly proved his potential, ending his first season with an impressive 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts in 133 innings across 23 starts.
Record-Breaking Debut for Skenes
Skenes’ rookie performance has been nothing short of historic. He set a rookie strikeout record for the Pirates and earned a starting role in the National League All-Star Game. With a 1.96 ERA, the lowest for any rookie with at least 20 starts since 1920, and a 0.95 WHIP tied for the lowest among NL pitchers with similar innings, Skenes has demonstrated his elite pitching ability and established himself as a force in the Pirates’ rotation.
Skenes’ Path to Success
After debuting on May 11 following a cautious start in Triple-A to manage his workload, Skenes finished the season strong, both healthy and dominant. Reflecting on his journey, Skenes shared, “We got right to where the innings threshold was… glad to be able to do what I did this year.” His strategic start to the season allowed him to sustain a consistent and impactful presence on the mound.
Pirates manager Derek Shelton was effusive in his praise, saying, “He’s doing things no one has ever done… I think that’s why you see this guy should be Rookie of the Year.” If awarded, Skenes would become the second Pirate to win Rookie of the Year after Jason Bay in 2004. Additionally, a high finish in Cy Young voting would make him the first Pirate to achieve this since Gerrit Cole in 2015.
A Promising Future for Skenes and the Pirates
No matter the awards outcome, Skenes has set a high standard for himself and the Pirates. Winning Rookie of the Year would grant him a full year of MLB service time, marking a significant milestone in his young career. Looking ahead to 2025, Skenes is determined to improve, saying, “There’s some low-hanging fruit for me to be better next year… ready to put the work in.”
The Rookie of the Year will be announced on November 18, with the Cy Young Award following on November 20 on MLB Network. Fans eagerly await the results, as Paul Skenes has redefined rookie expectations and given the Pirates an invaluable cornerstone for future success.
