This season, baseball fans have witnessed the rise of a rookie pitcher like no other. Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates has taken the league by storm with his dominant performance on the mound. From his impeccable control to his overpowering pitches, Skenes has left a lasting impression on the game.
In his final start of the season against the New York Yankees, Skenes showcased his talent by striking out some of the league’s best hitters. His ability to throw a 100 mph fastball with pinpoint accuracy on the black of the plate has set him apart from his peers.
This season, Skenes boasts an impressive 1.96 ERA across 133 innings, with 170 strikeouts and only 32 walks. His performance ranks him among the best rookie pitchers in the past 50 years. Skenes’ ERA+ of 211 is a testament to his exceptional skill on the mound.
What makes Skenes’ rookie season even more remarkable is his consistency. He allowed six hits or fewer in all 23 starts, a feat rarely seen in baseball history. Additionally, his strikeout rate of 32.9 percent leads all right-handed starters in the league.
As Skenes looks ahead to next season, his goals are simple: take the ball and pitch, and win a lot of baseball games. With his talent and determination, there’s no doubt that Skenes will continue to make a name for himself in the MLB.
(Photo: Dustin Satloff / Getty Images)