Major League Baseball (MLB) is making waves with its concerted efforts to elevate the profile of the MLB Draft. By shifting the first round to primetime and integrating it with All-Star Game festivities, the league has successfully generated more buzz and engagement from fans and media alike.
Paul Skenes: A Rising Star
The 2023 MLB Draft marked a significant milestone with LSU's Paul Skenes being selected as the first overall pick. Skenes has quickly garnered attention across the league with his unprecedented performance on the mound. His impressive stats—six wins in 11 starts and a stellar 1.90 ERA—demonstrate his dominance.
In a historic turn of events, Skenes became the first number one overall draft pick to start the All-Star Game in the very season following their draft. This achievement also makes him the first rookie to start the All-Star Game since Hideo Nomo in 1995. Skenes showcased his remarkable pitching arsenal, including fastballs reaching up to 100 mph and sinkers ranging between 91 to 96 mph.
Remarkable Game Performance
Skenes' consistent prowess was on full display during his latest outing where he worked seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters. Reflecting on his performance, Skenes mentioned, "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back." He also shared that competing against formidable hitters like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge was challenging, noting, "They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one."
Aaron Judge, placed in the cleanup spot by Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, expressed his admiration for Skenes, saying, "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." This mutual respect among players underscores the impression Skenes has made in such a short period.
Peer Recognition
Veteran players like Christian Yelich have also taken note of Skenes' exceptional talent. "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," commented Yelich, highlighting Skenes' strategic approach on the mound. "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."
Soto also acknowledged Skenes' skill, 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."
Notable Performances in the League
While Skenes has been a focal point, other players are also making impressive strides this season. Steven Kwan is leading the league with a .352 batting average, showcasing his consistent hitting ability. Meanwhile, Gunnar Henderson has been a force at the plate with a batting line of .286/.373/.584 and 28 home runs.
The curtain is still up on how this season will unfold, but one thing is certain: Paul Skenes' meteoric rise continues to captivate and inspire both fans and teammates. His blend of raw talent and advanced pitching acumen promises a bright future for the young star and the teams he represents.
As MLB looks to the future, players like Skenes, Kwan, and Henderson are leading the charge in what promises to be an exciting era of baseball. With their talents on full display, fans have plenty to look forward to in the seasons to come.