Pirates outfielder Paul Skenes won NL Rookie of the Year after the start of his MLB career
There was no doubt, but MLB made it official on Monday night as Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Paul Skenes was named NL Rookie of the Year after starting his career in spectacular fashion.
Teammate Luis Gil of the New York Yankees won the AL Rookie of the Year award as well, just beating out Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser in the voting. His Yankees teammate, Austin Wells, was also among the finalists for the award.
For Skenes, he beat a full field that included San Diego Padres shortstop Jackson Merrill and Milwaukee Brewers rising star Jackson Chourio, also an outfielder. Skenes finished with 23 of the 30 first-place votes.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONE OF THE GAMES ON FOXNEWS.COM
Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning during the 94th MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field on July 16, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
But it was hard not to give the award to Skenes after he posted one of the best rookie campaigns for a pitcher in MLB history.
The hype train for Skenes was a reality the second time he was drafted by Pittsburgh out of LSU following the Tigers’ 2023 national championship season. Pirates fans had hoped he would enter the 2024 campaign right away, but the organization opted to put him in Triple-A to start the year instead.
LSU’S LIVVY DUNNE SWEETES PIRATES’ OFFER ON PAUL SKENES’ ROOKIE CARD
Through seven games, Skenes was clearly a step above his competition, posting a 0.99 ERA with 45 strikeouts in seven outings.
The Pirates finally gave fans, and baseball fans in general, what they were hoping for on May 11 against the Chicago Cubs, as Skenes made his major league debut at PNC Park. He went on to pitch four innings, allowing three earned runs and striking out seven in four innings.
Although not a great game, the second time around he did not disappoint as he struck out 11 Cubs and did not allow a hit over six innings this time.
Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches in the first inning during the 94th MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field on July 16, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
As he continued to dominate MLB hitters, Skenes was brought into the Cy Young Award conversation. Meanwhile, Skenes was voted an All-Star and had his National League debut against the American League in Arlington, Texas, in July.
Skenes, despite being in the spotlight alongside LSU gym coach/social media star Livvy Dunne, was cool as a cucumber as he exited a scoreless first inning despite seeing off the monster Yankees twins Juan Soto and Aaron Judge that frame.
Overall, Skenes has pitched to a 1.96 ERA over 23 starts this season, the lowest of any rookie with at least 20 starts since 1920, per ESPN. It was also the lowest season in baseball this season among pitchers who threw at least 130 innings.
The Pirates put a stick on Skenes this year so he doesn’t overwork him. He pitched more rest in all of his starts, though he did best by posting 133 innings.
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWS PROGRAM
His last two scoreless innings at Yankee Stadium in September capped off an impressive season that Pirates fans hope he continues to have as he continues to establish himself as an ace in the MLB.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
