Major League Baseball is taking significant steps to elevate its profile, particularly through efforts surrounding the MLB Draft. One of the standout moments in recent MLB history was the 2023 MLB Draft, which saw LSU's Paul Skenes selected as the first overall pick. The league has strategically shifted the first round of the draft to primetime, tying it with the All-Star Game festivities, a move aimed at capturing a wider audience and increasing the excitement around new talent entering the league.
Paul Skenes: A Rising Star
Paul Skenes has taken the MLB by storm with his unprecedented performance. Not only did he start the 2024 All-Star Game for the National League following his rookie season, but he also became the first number-one overall draft pick to start the All-Star Game in the season immediately after being drafted. This remarkable feat underscores his exceptional talent and rapid rise within the league.
Skenes' performance speaks for itself. With 11 MLB starts, he boasts a 6-0 record and an impressive 1.90 ERA. Skenes utilized a mix of fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves during his performances, showcasing his versatile pitching arsenal. His sinker ranges between 91 to 96 mph, while his fastball can reach up to 100 mph. In his latest outing, Skenes worked seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters, further solidifying his status as a dominant force on the mound.
Facing MLB Heavyweights
Facing off against some of the league's best players, Skenes has exhibited remarkable poise and skill. "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back," Skenes said, highlighting the challenge and excitement of competing against top-tier talent. His encounters with stars like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have been particularly notable.
"They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one," Skenes recounted. For his part, Judge acknowledged the challenge posed by the young pitcher: "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."
Recognition from Veterans
Veteran players have also taken notice of Skenes' unique abilities. Christian Yelich remarked, "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 went on to praise Skenes' understanding and use of his pitching arsenal: "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."
Juan Soto also shared his perspective on facing Skenes: "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." These remarks from seasoned players underscore Skenes' maturity and skill level, which are uncommon for a rookie.
Other League Highlights
While Skenes' emergence has captured many headlines, there are other noteworthy performances across the league. Steven Kwan is leading the league with an impressive .352 average, while Gunnar Henderson is making a strong case for himself with a batting line of .286/.373/.584 and 28 home runs. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge's strategic placement in the cleanup spot by Rangers manager Bruce Bochy has added intrigue to the team's tactical approaches.
MLB's strategic moves, combined with the rise of standout players like Paul Skenes, are bringing renewed excitement to the sport. With young talent continuing to break records and seasoned players recognizing their prowess, baseball fans have much to look forward to as the season progresses.