Pittsburgh Review

Paul Skenes has been awarded the National League's Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, recognizing his impressive rookie season. This award places him among 42 pitchers who have received this honor since its inception in 1947.

Skenes' performance can be compared to other Rookie of the Year winners by examining several key statistics. His earned run average (ERA) stands at 1.96, placing him fifth overall and first among starters, with only relievers ahead of him on the list. In terms of ERA+, which adjusts for league and park factors, Skenes leads all ROY winners with a score of 214.

Strikeouts are another area where Skenes excelled. He tied with Tom Seaver for strikeouts during their rookie years but achieved it in fewer innings. His strikeout rate per nine innings is fourth among ROY pitchers, and he ranks second in strikeouts per walk ratio at 5.3.

When considering walks and hits allowed per nine innings, Skenes is fourth overall but first among starters alongside José Fernández as they both averaged less than one base runner per inning.

Despite having just 11 wins, his winning percentage was .786, making him the most effective starter among those who began at least 20 games.

In terms of Wins Above Replacement (WAR), Skenes’ figure is tied for seventh place due to fewer innings pitched compared to others. However, when evaluating Wins Above Average (WAA), he ties for second place with a score of 4.8.

Skenes' rookie campaign ranks near the top among ROY winners based on ERA, wins, strikeouts, and quality innings pitched. The baseball community now looks forward to seeing how he will build on this success in the upcoming season.