Paul Skenes makes MLB history in breakout rookie season

The 2024 MLB season has been electrified by a rookie phenomenon. Less than a year after being drafted first overall, Paul Skenes is already an All-Star. On Sunday, Skenes and Bryan Reynolds were named to the National League All-Star team, marking a historic first for the rookie Skenes. The young pitcher from LSU, who started his year in Triple-A, is now one of baseball’s most exciting talents. “It’s just a huge honor that I’m able to do it, after playing just a short span in the big leagues,” said Skenes.

Skenes is the first Pirates rookie pitcher to ever be named to an All-Star Game, and the first Pirates rookie, full stop, to get the nod since Tony Womack back in 1997.

Before the world recognized his talent, ex LSU team mate Tre’ Morgan knew Skenes was special. “This is the best pitcher I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” Morgan said in the runup to their College World Series win. Morgan’s words have proven prophetic as Skenes has dazzled on the mound. Despite only ten Major League starts, Skenes has posted a stellar 2.12 ERA and a 33.6% strikeout rate, making him one of the top pitchers in baseball. “I knew he was the sickest,” Morgan said recently to MLB.com. “Everybody on the team knew he was the sickest. Now, everybody in the world knows he’s the sickest.”

Skenes’ rookie season has been filled with memorable moments. He threw six no-hit innings at Wrigley Field in his first road start and confidently faced the formidable Dodgers’ lineup. With a 5-0 record and 78 strikeouts over 59 1/3 innings, his All-Star selection seems almost inevitable. “Obviously, starting the year in Triple-A, the odds of going to the Major League All-Star Game are pretty slim,” Skenes admitted. “I still hope I do something cooler than making an All-Star Game,” he added with a smile.

Bryan Reynolds, Skenes’ teammate, also earned his second All-Star nod, the first since starting in center field in 2021. Reynolds has been an offensive powerhouse, boasting a .284 batting average, 16 home runs, and a 25-game hitting streak, the longest in the Majors this season. “He obviously deserves it,” Reynolds said of Skenes. “He’s been one of the best pitchers in baseball since he got here.”

Reynolds has been a consistent force for the Pirates, playing in every game this season and contributing significantly to their success. “I think it was one of my goals,” Reynolds said about being named an All-Star. “Just because if you do that, you’re probably having a good year. You’re probably helping the team.” His dedication is evident not only in his stats but in his presence on the field every day. “If I’m healthy, might as well go,” Reynolds remarked.

As the All-Star Game approaches, one question remains: will Skenes be the National League’s starting pitcher? His last start before the break is scheduled for Thursday in Milwaukee, potentially setting him up for the big game. “That would be cool,” Skenes said. “I have no expectations. I don’t know how that works or who gets to decide that kinda thing, but that would definitely be cool.”

The All-Star Game will undoubtedly be a showcase of talent, but for Paul Skenes, it’s just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career.