PNC Park | wikipedia
PNC Park | wikipedia
Paul Skenes, who was the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, has been recognized as one of baseball's top pitchers. On Wednesday, he finished third in the voting for the 2024 National League Cy Young Award. The award went to Chris Sale of the Braves, with Zack Wheeler of the Phillies finishing second.
Skenes was also named the NL Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America earlier this week. He received one second-place vote for the Cy Young Award. Skenes is among seven Pirates players to have finished in the top three for a Cy Young but is the first since John Smiley in 1991.
During his rookie season, Skenes made 23 Major League starts and quickly established himself as a top pitcher with an impressive pitch arsenal. He ended his season with an 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings. He led several statistical categories including strikeouts per nine innings and ERA among pitchers with at least 130 innings pitched.
Despite his achievements, starting his season in the Minors limited his sample size, affecting his chances to win the Cy Young Award. General manager Ben Cherington praised Skenes' handling of expectations: “On top of having a dominant first season, he handled the spotlight that came with it extraordinarily well,” Cherington said.
Skenes highlighted moments from his season such as striking out Shohei Ohtani on consecutive fastballs and starting in the All-Star Game for the National League. Reflecting on a game against the Cardinals where he pitched into the ninth inning despite losing, Skenes said: “That’s what winning baseball looks like.”
Recently attending a Steelers game at Acrisure Stadium, Skenes expressed enthusiasm about identifying with Pittsburgh: “I think it’s such a select few who get to have the opportunity to transcend their sport,” he stated.
As he prepares for next season, Skenes remains focused on contributing significantly to his team and city: “So [I am] really fired up about the opportunity for next year,” he added.
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