Major League Baseball is actively working to elevate its profile, with significant efforts centered around the MLB Draft. By shifting the first round of the draft to primetime and integrating it with the All-Star Game festivities, the league has successfully generated excitement and increased its visibility.
This strategy bore fruit in the 2023 MLB Draft when LSU's Paul Skenes was selected as the first overall pick. Since his selection, Skenes has made an indelible mark on the league with an unprecedented performance that has earned him widespread acclaim.
An Uncharted Path to the All-Star Game
In 2024, Skenes made headlines once again by starting the All-Star Game for the National League. He became the first number one overall draft pick to achieve this honor in the season following their draft. Remarkably, Skenes is also the first rookie to start the All-Star Game since Hideo Nomo in 1995.
Skenes' stats further underscore his exceptional talent. In 11 MLB starts, he has compiled a remarkable 6-0 record with a stunning 1.90 ERA. His performance has not only captured the attention of fans but also earned the respect of his peers.
Masterful Command of His Arsenal
Skenes' pitching repertoire is as diverse as it is effective. Utilizing fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves, he has kept batters on their toes. His sinker ranges between 91 to 96 mph, while his fastball can reach up to an eye-popping 100 mph.
In a recent outing, Skenes worked seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force on the mound. Reflecting on his performance, he noted, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back."
High Praise from Fellow Players
Paul Skenes' impact extends beyond his stats, earning him accolades from some of the game's top players. "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 said, showcasing his competitive spirit.
Aaron Judge, who found himself in the cleanup spot, remarked, "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." Judge's sentiment echoes the growing recognition of Skenes' talent within the league.
Christian Yelich was equally impressed, stating, "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's words highlight the nuanced approach Skenes brings to his game, combining raw power with strategic finesse.
Yelich went on to say, "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 experience facing Skenes, commenting, "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."
Emerging Stars and Veterans
While Skenes has undoubtedly captured the spotlight, other players are also making significant contributions to the game. Steven Kwan is leading the league with a remarkable .352 average, while Gunnar Henderson boasts a batting line of .286/.373/.584 with 28 home runs.
These performances, alongside Skenes' meteoric rise, are contributing to an exciting season in Major League Baseball. With the draft and the All-Star Game now more intertwined than ever, the future looks bright for the league and its emerging stars.
