Major League Baseball is making significant strides to elevate its profile, with recent efforts surrounding the MLB Draft serving as a notable highlight. As one of the most storied drafts in recent history, the 2023 MLB Draft captured considerable attention when LSU's Paul Skenes was selected as the first overall pick. Skenes has since proven his worth, delivering unprecedented performances that firmly establish him as a rising star within the league.
Primetime Draft Elevates MLB's Profile
In a bid to garner more interest and excitement, MLB shifted the first round of the Draft to primetime, coinciding it with the All-Star Game festivities. The move appears to be paying dividends, as showcased by the fast rise of Paul Skenes, who has taken the league by storm with his extraordinary talents.
Paul Skenes: A Phenom in the Making
Paul Skenes’ impact was almost immediate. In 2024, he managed a feat that had never been achieved before – becoming the first number one overall draft pick to start the All-Star Game in the season following their draft. This remarkable accomplishment set a precedent and showcased the depth of his talent.
What’s more, Skenes became the first rookie to accomplish this feat since Hideo Nomo in 1995. With an 11 MLB starts record of 6-0 and an impressive 1.90 ERA, it’s no wonder the baseball world is buzzing with excitement over his future.
Reflecting on his unique journey, Skenes himself commented, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back," highlighting the challenges and exhilaration of competing at the highest level.
Dominance Across the Mound
Much of Skenes' success can be attributed to his diverse pitching repertoire. Utilizing fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves, he has managed to baffle hitters consistently. His sinker alone ranges between 91 to 96 mph, while his fastball can touch a blistering 100 mph.
In his latest outing, Skenes' prowess was on full display as he worked seven no-hit innings, striking out 11 batters. His mix of speed and strategy stood out, as noted by teammate Christian Yelich, "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 further elaborates, "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."
League Standouts and Rivals
While Skenes has been making headlines, other players have also stepped up to the plate. Steven Kwan is leading the league with a stellar .352 batting average, showcasing his consistency and precision. Gunnar Henderson, too, has been a standout with a batting line of .286/.373/.584 and 28 home runs, embodying power and efficiency.
Aaron Judge, a powerhouse in his own right, found himself in the cleanup spot, expertly orchestrated by Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. Judge weighed in on Skenes' performance, saying, "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."
On the opposing side, Juan Soto experienced firsthand the challenge of 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," Soto remarked, underscoring the respect and challenge Skenes commands.
As Major League Baseball continues to evolve, the infusion of fresh talent like Paul Skenes not only invigorates the game but ensures its enduring legacy. With strategic innovations like shifting the Draft to primetime and integrating it with the All-Star festivities, the future of MLB looks promising and as thrilling as ever.