Position: RHP
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 235 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 05/29/2002
College: Louisiana State University
How Acquired: Drafted 1st round, 1st Overall, 2023
Bonus: $9,200,000
40-man Roster: Yes
Rule 5 Eligible: N/A
Minor League Free Agency: N/A
Options Left: 3
Overview
Skenes was one of five players in the 2023 draft who were considered legitimate top choices. Skenes’ teammate, Dylan Crews, was considered by most observers to be the top talent, but by the time of the draft, some draft commenters were ranking Skenes at the top. He was routinely referred to as a generational talent and the best pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg. Skenes signed for a little more than a half million under the slot value of $9.72M, but his bonus was still easily a record.
Skenes spent two years pitching for the Air Force and was highly regarded there, but he took off in a big way as a college junior at LSU. He posted a 1.69 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9 and an astronomical 15.3 K/9. His fastball averaged 98 mph and reached 103, producing swings and misses nearly a third of the time. His slider had a 65% miss rate, and his change is potentially a plus pitch. The one possible flaw is that some observers consider his fastball too straight, but the velocity is such that it may not matter.
2023-24
After signing, Skenes got into one game in the FCL, two for Bradenton and two for Altoona. The first Altoona outing didn’t go well, but he dominated the rest of the time.
Skenes opened 2024 in Indianapolis, then the Pirates called him up after seven dominant starts. He immediately became one of the best pitchers in baseball, with dominant numbers across the board. In 23 starts, he had a 1.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 11.5 K/9. The biggest issue he presented the Pirates was how to manage his workload. His final total of 160.1 IP, between AAA and the majors, wasn’t dramatically more than the 129.1 he threw between college and the minors in 2023.
Skenes’ fastball averaged just under 99 mph, making him the second-hardest throwing starter in MLB, just behind the Angels’ Jose Soriano. Skenes’ best pitch, though, turned out to be one he calls a “splinker,” which is a cross between a sinker and splitter. All of his pitches produce swings and misses.
Stats
Transactions
July 9, 2023: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1st round, 1st overall pick; signed on July 18.
May 11, 2024: Contract purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates.