MLB Draft as a Catalyst for Rising Stars
Major League Baseball has been making concerted efforts to lift its profile, with a key focus on the MLB Draft. This past year, the league took a significant step by shifting the first round of the draft to primetime and embedding it within the All-Star Game festivities.
These changes have already begun to pay dividends. The 2023 MLB Draft witnessed LSU's Paul Skenes being selected as the first overall pick, a decision that has resonated throughout the league. Skenes' debut season has been marked by remarkable performance, setting new standards and drawing attention across baseball.
Paul Skenes: The New Sensation
Paul Skenes didn’t just make waves in his rookie season; he created a tsunami. He has earned his place in the history books by becoming the first number one overall draft pick to start the All-Star Game in the season following their draft. The last rookie to start the All-Star Game was Hideo Nomo in 1995, making Skenes' accomplishment even more notable.
Skenes' record speaks for itself. Through 11 MLB starts, he has compiled a stellar 6-0 record with a 1.90 ERA. His pitching arsenal — a mix of fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and curves — has proven highly effective against some of the league's top hitters. Skenes' fastball can hit speeds up to 100 mph, while his sinkers range between 91 to 96 mph.
In his latest outing, Skenes worked seven no-hit innings and struck out 11 batters, underscoring his skill and composure on the mound. After the game, Skenes recounted, “It was cool to face off against them back-to-back. They were tough. Soto was a tough at-bat, and Judge, I kind of went after him and got him to roll over one.”
What the Stars Have to Say
The impact of Skenes’ pitching has not gone unnoticed by his peers. Aaron Judge, one of the league's premier hitters, praised the rookie. "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,” Judge said, highlighting the respect Skenes has garnered from established stars.
Christian Yelich also weighed in on Skenes' talents. “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 remarked, adding, “And 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."
Juan Soto echoed similar sentiments, noting the challenge Skenes posed. "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," Soto shared.
Other Standout Performances
While Skenes has been the headline-grabber, other players have also been delivering standout performances this season. Steven Kwan is leading the league with an impressive .352 batting average, while Gunnar Henderson boasts a batting line of .286/.373/.584, complemented by 28 home runs. Such individual achievements add rich context to a season already defined by rising new talents and enduring excellence from established stars.
Meanwhile, Aaron Judge has been a pivotal figure for the Rangers, strategically placed in the cleanup spot by manager Bruce Bochy. Judge's leadership and ability at the plate continue to make him a cornerstone for his team.
A New Era for MLB
The recent enhancements to the MLB Draft not only aim to elevate the league's profile but also shine a light on the emerging talents shaping the future of baseball. Players like Paul Skenes provide a vivid example of how these changes are bringing fresh excitement and unprecedented achievements to the sport.
With the league continuing to innovate and adapt, the future looks promising for the next generation of baseball stars and the fans who eagerly follow their journeys.