Paul Skenes Ranks 4th Among MLB’s Best Starting Pitchers: A Rising Star for the Pirates
Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ young ace, has solidified his position as one of the top starting pitchers in Major League Baseball. According to MLB.com’s latest ranking of the top ten starting pitchers, the 22-year-old phenom is ranked 4th, a testament to his remarkable talent and breakout rookie season.
Skenes’ Meteoric Rise
In just his first year in the majors, Skenes made an unforgettable impact. Called up to the Pirates in May 2024, the LSU standout, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, quickly became a force to be reckoned with.
His rookie stats speak volumes:
- Record: 11-3
- ERA: 1.96
- Strikeouts: 170
- Innings Pitched: 133
Skenes’ dominance earned him the starting pitcher role for the National League in the 2024 All-Star Game, a rare accomplishment for a rookie.
Accolades Galore
Skenes’ performance didn’t go unnoticed. He racked up multiple awards during his debut season, including:
- 2024 NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year
- Baseball Digest’s National League Rookie of the Year
- Baseball America’s 2024 Rookie of the Year
In addition, Skenes finished 3rd in the National League Cy Young Award voting, further cementing his status as one of the game’s brightest young stars.
The Competition: Top 10 Starting Pitchers
Skenes’ ranking places him among elite company. According to MLB.com, the top three pitchers ahead of him are:
- Zack Wheeler (Philadelphia Phillies)
- Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers)
- Chris Sale (Atlanta Braves)
Skenes edges out several renowned pitchers, including:
- Blake Snell (Los Angeles Dodgers)
- Corbin Burnes (Arizona Diamondbacks)
- Cole Ragans (Kansas City Royals)
- Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees)
- Logan Webb (San Francisco Giants)
- Framber Valdez (Houston Astros)
What Makes Skenes Stand Out?
Skenes’ ability to deliver under pressure and his dynamic pitching repertoire are key factors in his success. Known for his overpowering fastball and pinpoint control, he consistently leaves hitters baffled at the plate. His maturity and poise on the mound are rare for someone so early in their career.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Season Expectations
As Skenes heads into his first full season with the Pirates, expectations are sky-high. With Pittsburgh looking to build around their rising star, fans are eager to see if he can replicate or even surpass his rookie success.
Conclusion
Paul Skenes is more than just a promising talent; he’s already a top-tier pitcher in MLB. Ranked 4th on MLB.com’s list of starting pitchers, his rookie season was nothing short of extraordinary. As he enters 2025, Skenes has the potential to become one of the league’s most dominant players and a cornerstone for the Pirates’ future.
With his trajectory, don’t be surprised if Skenes is leading MLB rankings and Cy Young discussions in the years to come.
