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### Paul Skenes: The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Pitching Prodigy Paving His Way to MLB Stardom
The Pittsburgh Pirates are still rebuilding, and one player really stands out right now: Paul Skenes. As the team’s 2023 first overall MLB Draft pick, Skenes has sparked fresh hope among Pirates fans.
He’s already drawing comparisons to some of baseball’s greatest young pitchers. Today, let’s break down Skenes’ career trajectory, his standout skills, and the impact he could have as Pittsburgh chases a playoff return.
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Why Paul Skenes Is a Rare Talent
Paul Skenes isn’t just another pitching prospect. He might be the most dominant arm to enter pro baseball in a long time.
The former LSU star arrives in Pittsburgh with a nearly legendary college resume. At LSU, he helped the Tigers win a National Championship and picked up major awards, like the Dick Howser Trophy and the College World Series Most Outstanding Player.
What makes him different? It’s his size, velocity, and control. He stands 6’6” and weighs 247 pounds, firing a 100 MPH fastball that scouts love.
He’s not a one-pitch wonder, either. Skenes’ slider and changeup are nasty, and they round out his arsenal. He’s the sort of pitcher teams dream about building around, honestly.
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Skenes’ Track Record of Excellence
Look at his college stats and it’s obvious why the Pirates grabbed him first. In 2023 at LSU, he put up a jaw-dropping 1.69 ERA and struck out 209 batters in just 122 2/3 innings.
That kind of production doesn’t just win awards—it hints at real MLB potential. Skenes also showed he could handle pressure, especially during the College World Series.
When it mattered most, he delivered. If he brings that same edge to the majors, Pittsburgh may have found their next franchise cornerstone.
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The Pirates’ Long-Awaited Ace?
Since Gerrit Cole left in 2017, the Pirates haven’t had a true ace. The pitching staff has struggled to keep up in the National League Central.
With Skenes in the mix, though, fans finally see a glimmer of hope. Adding someone like Skenes not only boosts the rotation but also shows the front office is serious about developing talent.
Manager Derek Shelton recently said Skenes’ development will be a top priority. They want to make sure he’s not rushed to the majors before he’s ready, which honestly sounds smart.
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Comparisons to MLB Greats
It’s tough not to compare Paul Skenes to some of the game’s iconic power pitchers. Scouts have already mentioned Stephen Strasburg when talking about Skenes’ mechanics.
Like Strasburg, Skenes comes in highly polished—not some project who needs years to figure things out. Others even bring up Roger Clemens, pointing to Skenes’ fierce mentality on the mound.
Comparisons are fun, sure, but Skenes has a chance to create his own legacy in Pittsburgh. This city would love nothing more than to welcome its next superstar.
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What Lies Ahead for Paul Skenes and the Pirates
The future looks bright, but baseball development rarely follows a straight line. The Pirates need to balance their urge to speed up the rebuild with giving Skenes enough time to adjust to pro hitters.
He’ll face tougher competition in the minors and will need to sharpen his command against advanced opponents. Fans are already wondering when Skenes will show up in PNC Park.
There’s talk he could reach the majors as soon as 2024. Still, don’t be shocked if the Pirates play it safe and let him dominate Double-A or Triple-A a bit longer.
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The Bottom Line
The Pittsburgh Pirates and their fans are hoping Paul Skenes becomes more than just a solid pitcher. They want him to be a game-changer.
His college stats were eye-popping, and the tools he brings are hard to ignore. The potential? It’s definitely there, and you can’t help but feel a little excited.
If Skenes keeps developing like he has, maybe—just maybe—he’s the spark this franchise needs to climb back into the National League spotlight.
Right now, everyone’s watching the Pirates’ top prospect. Judging by what he’s done so far, we might be at the start of something pretty special.
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What do you make of Paul Skenes and the Pirates’ future? Drop a comment below or chime in on social media—we’d love to hear your take!
Here is the source article for this story: Paul Skenes, Pirates shut out Reds, spoil Ke’Bryan Hayes’ PNC Park return
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