Will Pirates Prospect Paul Skenes Factor in the NL ROY Race?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Paul Skenes, a standout prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is making waves in MLB with his exceptional talent and potential.
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Facing off against Jackson Holliday, another former first-round pick and 2024’s top baseball prospect, Skenes showcased his stuff in a head-t0-head meeting in Spring ball on Thursday. Skeenes hit 102 MPH while retiring the Orioles shortstop on a ground ball. There’s growing anticipation that both Skenes and Holliday could debut in the big leagues this season, with Holliday possibly making the team on opening day, as the manager and general manager hinted.
Skenes, the No. 9 ranked prospect in baseball, while perhaps not expected to be in the majors in week one, could see his arrival expedited due to new MLB rules. These rules reward teams with an extra draft pick if their rookies finish in the top two or three in the Rookie of the Year voting. Such incentives make Skenes’ swift ascent to the big leagues likely.
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Skenes sits at +3000 to win NL ROY, while Holiday is second on the AL ROY oddsboard at +340.
Skenes’ talent is undeniable, marked by his “nasty" stuff on the mound. Impressively, half of his Spring Training pitches have been clocked at or near 100 mph, with some reaching up to 102 mph. Even if these numbers are slightly “juiced," they highlight the raw power and skill Skenes brings to the game. Playing for the Pirates, a team open to developing talent at the big league level, Skenes finds himself in a supportive environment conducive to growth and improvement.
His performance thus far has lived up to the hype, especially noted in recent matchups against top picks like Holliday. Skenes’ ability to deliver under pressure, combined with his fast pitches, positions him as a player to watch closely throughout spring training and beyond. As he continues to expand his workload and dive deeper into games, the baseball community is eager to see if he can maintain his high level of play.
Paul Skenes represents a promising talent for the Pittsburgh Pirates and a potential star in MLB, ready to leave his mark with every pitch he throws.
