Major League Baseball continues to make significant strides to elevate its profile, with recent efforts centered around transforming the MLB Draft into a marquee event. The change has seen the first round of the MLB Draft being moved to primetime, coinciding with the excitement of the All-Star Game festivities. These strategic moves have not only amplified the draft’s visibility but also injected new energy into the sport.
This surge in prominence was exemplified by the 2023 MLB Draft, where LSU's Paul Skenes was selected as the first overall pick. Skenes, whose performances have garnered widespread acclaim, has quickly made a name for himself in the league. His unprecedented rise reached a pinnacle in 2024 when he started the All-Star Game for the National League, making him the first number one overall draft pick to do so in the season immediately following their draft. This remarkable feat was last achieved by Hideo Nomo in 1995, highlighting Skenes' extraordinary impact.
Skenes' performance has been nothing short of stellar. With 11 MLB starts under his belt, he boasts a 6-0 record and an impressive 1.90 ERA. His repertoire includes an array of pitches—fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves—each delivered with precision and purpose. Notably, his sinker ranges between 91 to 96 mph, while his fastball can reach up to 100 mph. His latest outing saw him work seven no-hit innings, striking out 11 batters, underscoring his dominance on the mound.
Skenes’ approach to the game has earned him respect from peers and opponents alike. Reflecting on a recent matchup, Skenes noted, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back." His comment underscores his calm demeanor and competitive spirit. He added, "They were tough. [Juan] Soto was a tough at-bat, and [Aaron] Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one." This willingness to confront top-tier hitters head-on characterizes Skenes' fearless approach.
Aaron Judge, who found himself in a rare cleanup spot thanks to Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, 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." Judge’s remarks highlight the mutual respect among MLB’s elite players and acknowledgment of Skenes' emerging talent.
Christian Yelich, another seasoned player, expressed admiration for Skenes' ability to utilize his arsenal effectively. "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's comments reflect a nuanced appreciation for Skenes' craft, noting that his pitch selection and strategic approach set him apart. He elaborated, "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."
This advanced approach is what makes Skenes a unique force on the mound. Juan Soto also commented on the challenge of facing Skenes, 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." Soto’s candid remark speaks volumes about the level of respect opponents have for Skenes' talent and the preparation required to face him.
As MLB continues to push its brand forward, figures like Skenes are proving vital to the narrative. His rapid ascent and record-breaking accomplishments have not only electrified fans but also established him as a formidable presence in the league. Simultaneously, seasoned players like Steven Kwan and Gunnar Henderson are making headlines with their exceptional performances. Kwan leads the league with an impressive .352 average, while Henderson boasts a solid batting line of .286/.373/.584 with 28 home runs.
In this era of burgeoning talent and strategic advancements, MLB is successfully capturing the attention of a broader audience, ensuring that the excitement of the game continues to grow. Figures like Paul Skenes are at the forefront, epitomizing the blend of skill, strategy, and showmanship that defines modern baseball.