A Beacon of Hope in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Pirates have long sought a cornerstone pitcher to anchor their rotation, and 2023 No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes appears to be that franchise-altering talent. MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds recently highlighted Skenes' "once-in-a-generation" potential, comparing his dominance on the mound to legendary two-way star Shohei Ohtani—though Skenes' focus remains purely on pitching.

Historic Rookie Campaign

In his debut season (2024), the 6-foot-6 right-hander posted an astonishing 1.96 ERA with 170 strikeouts in 133 innings, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors and finishing as a Cy Young Award finalist. His 5.9 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) ranked among the highest for a rookie pitcher this century, drawing comparisons to Jose Fernandez and Dwight Gooden.

Stats That Stand Out

• ERA: 1.96 (2024) → 2.77 (through 10 starts in 2025)
• Strikeouts per 9 IP: 11.5 (2024)
• WHIP: 0.95 (2024)
• Ground-Ball Rate: 51.3% (minimizes damage)

What Makes Skenes So Dominant?

Skenes' triple-digit fastball (averaging 98 mph) pairs with a wipeout slider and a deceptive changeup, creating one of the most feared Arsenals in baseball. Scouts praise his command and composure, noting he rarely folds under pressure—traits honed during LSU’s 2023 College World Series Championship run, where he was named the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

The Ohtani Comparison: A Glimpse of Unfulfilled Potential

While Skenes now focuses solely on pitching, his college days at the Air Force Academy revealed a hidden talent: hitting. As a two-way player, he posted a .410 average with 11 homers and a 1.183 OPS as a freshman, earning comparisons to Ohtani. Though he shifted to pitching full-time at LSU, Reynolds quipped, "Imagine if he could hit too—we’d be talking about the next Ohtani."

The Road Ahead

With Skenes leading the rotation, the Pirates hope to build around his dominance. General Manager Ben Cherington has called him "the face of our future," and expectations are high for 2025. If Skenes maintains his current trajectory—projecting 192 innings with an 8.5 WAR—he could single-handedly lift Pittsburgh into playoff contention. As Reynolds concludes, "Skenes isn’t just a rookie; he’s a franchise changer. The Pirates finally have their ace, and baseball should brace for his rise."

Skenes’ Philosophy

"I miss hitting, but winning is everything," Skenes told MLB Network in 2024, underscoring his commitment to team success over personal accolades.

As the Pirates navigate their 2025 struggles (15-32 record as of mid-May), Skenes remains their most consistent performer, embodying the resilience and talent needed to reshape the franchise’s future.