Pitcher Paul Skenes: Rising Star of the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates have a new shining star in their midst, and his name is Paul Skenes. MLB The Show 25, the renowned video game baseball franchise, has recognized Skenes as the top player for the Pirates this year, with an impressive overall rating of 93. This young pitcher has quickly ascended from the minor leagues to the majors, captivating fans with his exceptional performance on the field.
A Meteoric Rise to Stardom
Paul Skenes’ journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. After dominating in the minor leagues, he made his major league debut on May 11 during the 2024 season. In his 23 starts, Skenes showcased his talent with a stellar 1.96 ERA in 133.0 innings pitched. His remarkable stats speak for themselves – allowing only 29 earned runs, 94 hits, six home runs, and 32 walks while striking out 170 batters and holding opposing hitters to a mere .198 batting average. His impressive 11.50 K/9 ratio and a WHIP of 0.95 solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with on the mound.
A Star-Studded Season
Skenes’ outstanding performance didn’t go unnoticed, as he became the first Pirates player in nearly five decades to start for the National League in the All-Star Game. His accolades continued to pile up, earning a spot on the All-MLB First Team, clinching the NL Rookie of the Year title, and finishing third in the NL CY Young Award race. Skenes’ meteoric rise to stardom has solidified his place among the elite players in the league.
Supporting Cast
While Skenes shone brightly, his teammates also made significant contributions to the Pirates’ success. Center fielder/shortstop ONeil Cruz displayed his versatility on the field, slashing .259/.324/.499 with 21 home runs, 76 RBIs, and 22 stolen bases. All-star outfielder Bryan Reynolds continued his strong performance, hitting .275/.344/.447 with 24 home runs and a career-high 171 hits. Right-handed pitchers Jared Jones and Mitch Keller also showcased their skills, further bolstering the Pirates’ pitching rotation.
