Paul Skenes: The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Phenom Poised for Stardom in 2025

Ankit puri22 hours ago

Paul Skenes’ rise to MLB stardom has been nothing short of spectacular. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ young ace, drafted first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, wasted no time proving why he was the most coveted pitcher in his class.

In his rookie season in 2024, Skenes put the league on notice with a dominant campaign, earning the National League Rookie of the Year award after posting an 11-3 record with a 1.96 ERA. His ability to command the mound, mix elite pitch movement, and control both sides of the plate set him apart from many of his peers.

As the 2025 MLB season approaches, expectations for Skenes are at an all-time high. Experts, analysts, and even former players are bullish on his continued dominance.

One of those believers is former MLB All-Star Kyle Gibson, who recently spoke on the “Talkin’ Baseball” podcast about what makes Skenes a special talent.

Paul Skenes’ Sensational Rookie Campaign: A Look Back at 2024

Before we dive into what’s next for Skenes, let’s examine how he took the league by storm in 2024.

1. Statistical Dominance

Skenes’ rookie numbers were jaw-dropping, showing an elite blend of power, control, and poise on the mound:

Record: 11-3
ERA: 1.96
WHIP: 0.92
Strikeouts: 207 in 162.1 innings
Opponent Batting Average: .189

These numbers are elite by any standard, but for a rookie, they’re almost unheard of. Skenes’ ERA of 1.96 made him one of only a handful of pitchers in the last decade to post a sub-2.00 ERA in their debut season.

His 207 strikeouts also placed him among the best in the NL, further cementing his reputation as a true power pitcher.

2. His Ability to Dominate in High-Leverage Situations

Unlike many young pitchers who struggle under pressure, Skenes thrived when it mattered most.

In high-leverage situations:

He held opposing batters to a .156 average with runners in scoring position.
His strikeout rate jumped to 36.4% when facing the heart of the order.
He delivered six scoreless starts of 7+ innings, proving he could go deep into games.

One of his signature performances came in August 2024, when he pitched a complete-game shutout against the Los Angeles Dodgers, striking out 12 batters and allowing just two hits.

This outing sent a clear message to the league: Skenes isn’t just good—he’s a future ace.

What Makes Paul Skenes Special? Kyle Gibson Weighs In

Many have compared Skenes to some of MLB’s greatest power pitchers, from Justin Verlander to Max Scherzer. But what exactly makes him so unique?

On the “Talkin’ Baseball” podcast, former All-Star pitcher Kyle Gibson broke down Skenes’ elite traits:

“I mean, one thing that sets him apart from most guys is that not only does he have pitches that move differently than a lot of people, but he also has the ability to throw them to both sides of the plate.”

This statement highlights two major factors that separate Skenes from other young pitchers:

1. Unpredictable Pitch Movement

Skenes isn’t just a power pitcher—his arsenal is diverse and deceptive:

Fastball: Touches 100-102 mph with elite spin, making it almost unhittable up in the zone.
Slider: A sharp-breaking 91-mph slider that tunnels perfectly off his fastball.
Changeup: A deceptive 90-mph changeup that keeps left-handed hitters off balance.
Curveball: A slower breaking pitch that adds depth to his mix.

His ability to generate movement on these pitches—combined with elite velocity—makes him an absolute nightmare for hitters.

2. Pinpoint Command to Both Sides of the Plate

Many young power pitchers struggle with control, often relying too heavily on overpowering velocity.

Skenes, however, has already developed elite command, allowing him to locate his fastball and off-speed pitches with precision.

This means he can:

Jam right-handed hitters inside with his fastball while painting the outside corner with his slider.
Backdoor left-handed batters with his changeup, keeping them guessing.
Control the strike zone in all quadrants, making it nearly impossible for hitters to sit on one pitch.

This advanced command at such a young age sets Skenes apart from even some of the best MLB veterans.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Skenes in 2025?

After a historic rookie season, what can we expect from Paul Skenes in 2025?

Here are a few key predictions for his sophomore campaign:

1. A Cy Young Contender?

Skenes’ 1.96 ERA in 2024 already put him in the conversation for one of the best pitchers in the NL.

Now, with another year of experience, he could emerge as a legitimate Cy Young contender.

The biggest factors that could boost his chances:

A full season of starts (likely 30+ games instead of 24 in 2024).
Increased workload (180-200 innings pitched).
Even sharper command, lowering his walk rate.

If he continues dominating hitters at this level, a top-three Cy Young finish is a real possibility.

2. The Pirates’ Playoff Hopes Rest on His Arm

The Pittsburgh Pirates haven’t made the playoffs since 2015, but with Skenes leading their rotation, they have a chance to change that.

For the Pirates to compete in the NL Central, Skenes will need to:

Be their undisputed ace, setting the tone for the rotation.
Stay healthy for a full season to give them consistency.
Win critical games against division rivals like the Brewers and Cubs.

If Skenes continues his upward trajectory, the Pirates could become a dark-horse playoff team in 2025.

3. Will He Reach the 250-Strikeout Milestone?

With 207 strikeouts in his rookie season, Skenes already showed elite swing-and-miss stuff.

If he pitches a full season (around 190-200 innings), he could easily surpass 250 strikeouts.

For perspective:

Gerrit Cole led MLB with 222 strikeouts in 2024.
Max Scherzer hit 300 Ks in his peak seasons.

If Skenes takes the next step, he could become one of baseball’s premier strikeout artists.

Final Thoughts: Paul Skenes Is the Future of MLB Pitching

Paul Skenes’ meteoric rise has been one of the most exciting stories in MLB. His historic rookie season, combined with elite pitching ability and command, makes him a true generational talent.

With the 2025 season approaching, all eyes will be on the Pirates’ ace to see if he can take another step forward.

Will he win a Cy Young?
Will he lead the Pirates to the playoffs?
Will he become the best pitcher in baseball?

If his rookie season was any indication, Paul Skenes is just getting started.

The MLB has officially been put on notice. 🚀⚾