Can the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year Keep the Momentum Going in 2025?
It’s a new year for the MLB and eyes will be on Paul Skenes following his phenomenal rookie season in 2024. Known for his impressive fastball that can reach 100 mph, Skenes has quickly become one of the most exciting young arms in the league. At the end of the 2024 season, Skenes was named the National League Rookie of the Year. Many expect him to rise through the ranks and have already drawn comparisons to some of the best pitchers in the game. As he begins his second season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, fans will wonder if he can keep up the hype.
Without a doubt, Skenes racked up some impressive numbers during his first MLB season. Skenes started in all 23 games of his season for the Pirates. With an 11-3 record, Skenes helped lead the Pirates through a great season. Skenes pitched 133 innings in 2024 and perhaps his most impressive accomplishment for the season was 170 strikeouts. Another important stat to note is his WHIP, walks plus hits per inning pitched, was only 0.95. Undoubtedly, Skenes had an amazing first season and it will be interesting to see if he can do the same, or better, in the upcoming regular season.
Skenes has only played one game during the 2025 Spring Training season. In that one game, he made sure to remind everyone of his talents on the mound. Skenes introduced two new pitches to his game. One being an impressive cutter, which helped him to 30 strikes that game. Skenes also added a two-seam fastball to his line up of pitches. With an already dangerous fastball, adding another to his choice of pitches isn't good news for those at bat. Skenes pitched for three innings during the game against the Orioles and managed four strikeouts. An impressive start to the spring season.
With only one game played in 2025, it’s hard to know exactly where Paul Skenes is headed for in the regular season, but from what he put up in that first game, it’s looking good. The Pirates may just have the best pitcher in the MLB. Skenes will be working to keep himself sharp and fast for 2025. He has the ability to do some big things this year and may even be in the running for the Cy Young Award. Skenes will have some competition, but he’s ready for the challenge.
