Paul Skenes, the first overall pick of the 2023 MLB Draft, took to the mound on Saturday. Despite flashes of brilliance, the rookie’s performance was scrutinized after allowing six hits and three runs in four innings, resulting in a 6.75 ERA.
However, MLB insider Jeff Passan, speaking on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday, expressed genuine excitement about Skenes’ potential impact on the Pittsburgh Pirates and the league as a whole.
“Paul Skenes is appointment viewing,” Passan remarked to McAfee. “He’s gonna be good for baseball.”
Passan highlighted Skenes’ relentless mindset and past achievements, including setting the SEC single-season strikeout record during his tenure at LSU.
Skenes’ dominance in college baseball, boasting a 1.69 ERA and securing the Dick Howser Trophy as the best player in college baseball, further solidified his status as a generational prospect.
Skenes’ performance in LSU’s run to their eighth national championship, coupled with his desire to pitch deep into games, has garnered attention.
Passan emphasized Skenes’ potential to revitalize the significance of starting pitchers in a league where bullpen usage has become increasingly prevalent.
“This is a guy who wants to go deep into the game,” Passan emphasized. “This is a guy who throws harder as a starting pitcher than anyone we have ever seen before.”
As Skenes continues his journey in the majors, all eyes remain on the promising young pitcher and his potential to reshape the landscape of modern baseball.
