Major League Baseball is making notable advancements to bolster its profile, particularly with a heightened focus on the MLB Draft. In an effort to increase visibility and fan engagement, the league has shifted the first round of the MLB Draft to primetime, aligning it with the All-Star Game festivities.
2023 MLB Draft Highlights
One of the standout moments of the 2023 MLB Draft was the selection of LSU's Paul Skenes as the first overall pick. Skenes has quickly lived up to the hype, delivering unprecedented performances that have garnered attention across the league.
Paul Skenes: A Breakout Star
In an extraordinary start to his career, Paul Skenes became the first rookie pitcher to start the All-Star Game since Hideo Nomo in 1995. Not only did he make history by starting the All-Star Game for the National League in just his first season, but he also did so with a stellar record. As of his latest season report, Skenes has made 11 starts, securing a 6-0 record and maintaining a dazzling 1.90 ERA.
Skenes' pitching arsenal is particularly noteworthy. He effectively utilizes a combination of fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves. His fastball, an intimidating pitch that can reach up to 100 mph, is complemented by a versatile sinker ranging between 91 to 96 mph.
Memorable Performances
Paul Skenes has already delivered some remarkable performances this season. In one of his latest outings, he worked through seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters, a testament to his pitching prowess and command of the game.
Following that game, Skenes reflected on facing some of the league's toughest hitters. "It was cool to face off against them back-to-back," he remarked. Reflecting on his at-bats against top players, he added, "They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one."
League Reception
The impact of Paul Skenes' performance hasn’t gone unnoticed by his peers. Aaron Judge, one of the league's premier hitters, shared his thoughts: "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 observation underscores the respect Skenes has quickly earned among established players.
Christian Yelich, another seasoned player, also weighed in, offering high praise for the rookie pitcher. "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 noted, emphasizing Skenes' strategic approach to pitching. "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," Yelich added.
Juan Soto also remarked on facing Skenes, hinting at the challenge presented by his split-finger pitch. "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 said. His comments highlight the level of respect top hitters have for Skenes' abilities.
Other Standout Performances
While Paul Skenes has been a revelation on the mound, other players have had strong showings this season. Steven Kwan currently leads the league with an impressive .352 batting average. Meanwhile, Gunnar Henderson has showcased his power with a batting line of .286/.373/.584, including 28 home runs.
Additionally, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy's decision to place Aaron Judge in the cleanup spot reflects strategic moves within teams to maximize their star players' impact.
As Major League Baseball continues to spotlight its rising stars and boost its overall profile, the performances of players like Paul Skenes serve as a testament to the dynamic and evolving nature of the sport. Fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how these athletes shape the future of the league.