The Bright Future of Paul Skenes
Amidst a challenging season, the Pittsburgh Pirates have found a beacon of hope in rookie sensation Paul Skenes. Despite being in last place in the National League Central and seven games below .500, the team has no plans to shut down their young ace. The Pirates are currently 7 1/2 games out of the third and final NL wild-card spot, but the impressive performances of Skenes provide a silver lining.
Paul Skenes, a 22-year-old right-hander who stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 235 pounds, has been a standout since his arrival in early May. Skenes has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, making 16 starts and averaging over six innings per outing. His season-high came on July 5, when he threw 107 pitches against the New York Mets. Overall, Skenes has delivered 98 innings at the big-league level, showcasing a remarkable level of endurance and skill.
Statistically, Skenes has been nothing short of spectacular. He boasts a 2.30 ERA and a 2.91 FIP, alongside 121 strikeouts. It’s no wonder he earned the honor of starting the All-Star Game for the National League. Prior to his tenure with the Pirates, Skenes was the ace of the national-champion LSU Tigers, where he threw 129 1/3 innings last season.
Despite his significant workload, the Pirates have decided against setting an innings limit for Skenes in 2024. According to insiders, any attempts to lessen his workload would come through shortening some starts, rather than skipping them entirely. "Any attempt to lessen his workload would reportedly come in shortening some starts, rather than skipping them entirely, allowing him to finish out what has thus far looked like a Rookie of the Year season," noted Ken Rosenthal, Stephen J. Nesbitt, and Zack Meisel.
Skenes' addition to the Pirates’ roster has not only been a boost for the team on the field but also at the box office. His performances have drawn considerable attention, even as the Pirates struggle in the standings. "The present and future are exceptionally bright for Skenes, and he's no doubt a box-office draw even for the flagging Pirates," echoed Rosenthal, Nesbitt, and Meisel.
As the Pirates look to the future, the presence of a young, talented pitcher like Skenes provides a glimmer of optimism. His contributions have not only been instrumental on the mound but have also energized a fan base yearning for success. While the current season may be a difficult one, the potential of Paul Skenes offers hope for brighter days ahead for the Pittsburgh Pirates.