Paul Skenes is what you call a franchise-changer; a player who is so good and impactful that he can turn an organization like the Pittsburgh Pirates into real contenders.
The Pirates were among the league’s worst in recent years, but drafting Skenes with the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 will certainly change their fate for the better.
After just a handful of games in the minor leagues, he is already paying dividends at the highest level, with a 2.45 ERA and 30 strikeouts in just 22 innings.
He hasn’t just been the Pirates’ best pitcher since making his debut: he also ranks among MLB’s best in many relevant categories since that first game as a major leaguer.
“Paul Skenes is now the No. 1 prospect in baseball. Since his debut, Skenes has the… – No. 4 strikeout rate – No. 2 xFIP – Top 15 FIP – Top 20 WHIP – Top 30 ERA… Among all MLB starters,” Baseball America tweeted.
If you needed more proof than just raw stats to convince yourself that Skenes might already be a top starter in MLB, you have his rankings right there.
It’s hard to find better evidence than that.
He can touch 103 mph with his fastball, his slider is nasty, he is excellent at preventing runs, he doesn’t allow many people on base and his command is already above-average.
The Pirates, currently 28-32, have a solid chance to sneak into the playoffs is Skenes remains healthy for most of the year.
With him, they now have four solid starters in their rotation: Mitch Keller, Jared Jones, and Bailey Falter join him there.
They might actually have a chance, thanks to the young pitching phenom.
