MLB Draft Reaches Primetime
Major League Baseball has been making noticeable strides to elevate its profile, particularly through an intensified focus on the MLB Draft. One of the most significant changes has been shifting the first round to primetime television, intertwining this pivotal event with the excitement of the All-Star Game festivities. This strategic move has undeniably paid off, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.
The 2023 MLB Draft was particularly notable, marking the emergence of LSU's Paul Skenes as the first overall pick. Skenes has rapidly made a name for himself, delivering unprecedented performances that have sent ripples throughout the league.
Paul Skenes Shines in the Big Leagues
In an extraordinary twist, Paul Skenes started the All-Star Game for the National League in 2024, becoming the first number one overall draft pick to achieve this feat in the season immediately following their draft. His selection also marked him as the first rookie to start an All-Star Game since Hideo Nomo in 1995—a clear testament to his impressive skills on the field.
Skenes’ early statistics are nothing short of remarkable. Over his first 11 MLB starts, he has amassed a 6-0 record, maintaining a stellar 1.90 ERA. His dominance on the mound has captivated fans and critics, showing why he was so highly coveted in the draft.
Mastering the Arsenal
Paul Skenes has showcased a versatile pitching arsenal, including fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves. His fastball, which can reach up to 100 mph, combined with a sinker that varies between 91 to 96 mph, has baffled hitters across the league.
In his latest outing, Skenes worked an impressive seven no-hit innings, striking out 11 batters—a performance that left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it. Reflecting on his experience, Skenes remarked, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back." He added, "They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one."
Opponents Weigh In
The impact of Skenes’ pitching hasn't gone unnoticed by his peers. Aaron Judge, who faced Skenes, shared his perspective, "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."
Christian Yelich also provided insights into facing Skenes, noting, "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 went on to elaborate, "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 offered a candid take on facing Skenes’ split-finger fastball, stating, "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."
Dominating Statistics
While Skenes has been making headlines with his pitching prowess, other players have also been shining. Steven Kwan is currently leading the league with a .352 average, while Gunnar Henderson boasts an impressive batting line of .286/.373/.584, complemented by 28 home runs. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge, placed in the cleanup spot by Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, continues to be a formidable presence in the batting lineup.
As the 2024 MLB season progresses, the performances of these players will undoubtedly be closely watched. The league’s efforts to elevate the MLB Draft, coupled with the rise of new talents like Paul Skenes, are shaping a thrilling narrative for baseball enthusiasts everywhere.