Major League Baseball (MLB) continues to innovate and elevate its profile through strategic adjustments to its events, one of the most significant being the MLB Draft. By integrating the first round of the MLB Draft into primetime and coupling it with the All-Star Game festivities, MLB has succeeded in capturing greater attention and excitement from fans and players alike.
Paul Skenes: A Rising Star
The 2023 MLB Draft marked a monumental moment as LSU's Paul Skenes was selected as the first overall pick. Skenes, whose name has resonated throughout the league due to his remarkable performance, quickly justified his selection. His debut season has been nothing short of sensational, culminating in his start at the 2024 All-Star Game for the National League—a historical feat. Skenes stands as the first number one overall draft pick to start an All-Star Game in the season following their draft, a distinction last achieved by Hideo Nomo in 1995 for a rookie.
Skenes’s stats reflect his dominance on the mound: 11 MLB starts with an undefeated 6-0 record and a stellar 1.90 ERA. His array of pitches—including fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves—has baffled seasoned hitters. His sinker, fluctuating between 91 to 96 mph, and a fastball peaking at 100 mph, demonstrate his versatility and control. In a recent outing, Skenes showcased his prowess by working seven no-hit innings and striking out 11 batters.
Reflecting on Skenes's talent, Christian Yelich noted, "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 further explained the nuanced skill Skenes brings to the mound, stating, "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."
High Praise from Veterans
Facing some of the league's top hitters, Skenes has impressed peers and veterans alike. Aaron Judge reflected on his matchup against the rookie phenom, "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."
Juan Soto, another elite hitter, shared his perspective after facing Skenes’s fierce repertoire: "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."
League Leaders and Standout Performances
Meanwhile, other players continue to make their mark. Steven Kwan leads the league with an impressive .352 batting average, showing consistency and precision at the plate. Gunnar Henderson's powerful performance is evident with his .286/.373/.584 batting line and 28 home runs, demonstrating a balanced approach of strength and skill.
In managerial decisions, Bruce Bochy's move to place Aaron Judge in the cleanup spot for the Rangers exemplifies strategic thinking aimed at maximizing the team's offensive potential.
A Bright Future for MLB
The efforts to spotlight the MLB Draft and young talent like Paul Skenes have undeniably paid off, bringing a fresh wave of enthusiasm and competition to the league. Skenes's journey from a top draft pick to an influential All-Star showcases the profound impact a single player can have on the sport. As MLB continues to evolve, the future looks promising with emerging stars and strategic innovations leading the way.