Paul Skenes

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Paul Skenes

| image = Paul Skenes stl 2024.jpg

| caption = Skenes with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024

| width = 200

| team = Pittsburgh Pirates

| number = 30

| position = Pitcher

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2002|5|29}}

| birth_place = Fullerton, California, U.S.

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = May 11

| debutyear = 2024

| debutteam = Pittsburgh Pirates

| statleague = MLB

| statyear = July 11, 2025

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 15–11

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 1.98

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 301

| teams =

Pittsburgh Pirates ({{mlby|2024}}–present)

| awards =

}}

Paul David Skenes ({{IPAc-en|s|k|iː|n|z}}, born May 29, 2002) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2024. Skenes played college baseball for the Air Force Falcons and LSU Tigers.

Skenes was born and raised in Orange County, California, where he attended El Toro High School and played three seasons of varsity baseball. Skenes initially attended the United States Air Force Academy and won the John Olerud Award, given annually to the best two-way player in college baseball, in 2022. Ahead of his junior season, Skenes transferred to LSU, where he won Southeastern Conference and national pitcher of the year honors as well as the Dick Howser Trophy. Skenes was part of the LSU pitching staff during the team's 2023 Men's College World Series championship win and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

Skenes entered the 2023 MLB draft as one of its most anticipated prospects and considered by some as the best pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg.{{cite news |last1=Farkas |first1=Brady |title=ESPN MLB Insider Compares LSU's Paul Skenes to Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/espn-mlb-insider-jeff-passan-compares-lsu-pitcher-paul-skenes-to-gerrit-cole-and-stephen-strasburg-nsfw |access-date=August 2, 2023 |work=FanNation |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=June 28, 2023}} Skenes was selected first overall by the Pirates and signed to a $9.2 million bonus. After working through the Pirates’ farm system in just one season, he made his MLB debut in May 2024 and was named the starting pitcher for the National League in the 2024 All-Star Game, becoming only the fifth rookie in MLB history to do so.{{cite web | last=Connon | first=Sam | title=Pittsburgh Pirates Rookie Paul Skenes Named NL Starting Pitcher for All-Star Game | website=SI.com | date=July 12, 2024 | url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/pittsburgh-pirates-rookie-paul-skenes-named-national-league-starting-pitcher-for-all-star-game-01j2knmgxdjf | access-date=May 30, 2025}} Skenes was named to his second All-Star Game in 2025.

Early life

Paul David Skenes was born on May 29, 2002, in Fullerton, California, to Craig, a pharmaceuticals company employee, and Karen, a homemaker and former high school teacher. Two of Skenes' uncles served in the United States Navy while another served in the Coast Guard.{{cite web |title=Paul Skenes biography |url=https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/paul-skenes/ |website=LSU Sports |date=August 22, 2022 |publisher=Louisiana State University |access-date=August 2, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Passan |first1=Jeff |title=MLB 2025: Inside Paul Skenes' journey to superstar status |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44669755/mlb-2025-paul-skenes-pittsburgh-pirates-ace-superstar-status |access-date=July 10, 2025 |date=April 16, 2025 |quote=His father, Craig, was a biochemistry major who works in the eye medication industry and topped out in JV baseball. His mother, Karen, teaches AP chemistry and was in the marching band.}}

Skenes grew up in Lake Forest, California, and attended El Toro High School, the alma mater of major leaguers Nolan Arenado and Matt Chapman, among others.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/story/2020-05-14/el-toro-air-force-academy-baseball-paul-skeness-career-to-take-flight|title=El Toro pitcher Paul Skenes set to take flight at Air Force|work=Los Angeles Times|date=May 14, 2020|access-date=June 5, 2022}} Skenes played three years of varsity baseball as a two-way player—he played catcher, first base, and third base in addition to pitching.{{cite web |title=Paul Skenes Class of 2020 – Player Profile |url=https://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=679139 |website=Perfect Game USA |access-date=August 2, 2023}} In September 2018, during his junior year, Skenes announced his commitment to attend the United States Air Force Academy and play college baseball for the Air Force Falcons.{{Cite tweet |last=Skenes |first=Paul |user=Paul_Skenes |number=1045820687632363521 |date=September 28, 2018 |title=I am honored to announce that I have verbally committed to go to the United States Air Force Academy to serve the greatest country in the world and continue my academic and baseball careers. |access-date=August 2, 2023}} In his junior season, he posted a 0.67 earned run average (ERA). He was voted to the all-star teams for the Coast View Athletic Association, Orange County, the CIF Southern Section, and the state of California. During his senior year, Skenes was named team captain and had a 0.33 ERA, and hit three home runs before the remainder of the season was abruptly canceled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite news |last1=Riley |first1=Koki |title=How LSU baseball star Paul Skenes blossomed in high school |url=https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/lsu/2023/04/10/lsu-baseball-paul-skenes-high-school-bad-news-bears/70047158007/ |access-date=August 2, 2023 |work=The Daily Advertiser |publisher=Gannett |date=April 10, 2023 |location=Lafayette, Louisiana}} He was named to the all-county first team following the season. Skenes graduated from El Toro in 2020 with a grade point average of 4.76.

College career

File:Skenes, Indy Bowl Committee visit 307th Bomb Wing (8057125).jpg]]

Skenes honored his commitment to play college baseball for the Air Force Falcons and accepted an appointment as part of the class of 2024.{{cite web |last1=Briggeman |first1=Brent |title=Air Force switches two-way star Paul Skenes from bullpen to Friday night starter |url=https://gazette.com/sports/air-force-sports/air-force-switches-two-way-star-paul-skenes-from-bullpen-to-friday-night-starter/article_054bbd04-9051-11ec-8e9a-a3dee4490b30.html |website=Colorado Springs Gazette |access-date=November 2, 2022 |language=en |date=February 17, 2022}} In his first season at Air Force, Skenes was named the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year and a first-team All-American by the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, Baseball America, and the NCBWA.{{cite web|url=https://gazette.com/sports/paul-skenes-witnessed-shohei-ohtanis-home-debut-at-15-now-hes-pursuing-the-same-path/article_60ae2514-9043-11ec-9aa0-a3c6ea639d77.html|title=Paul Skenes witnessed Shohei Ohtani's home debut at 15, now he's pursuing the same path as the AL MVP|work=The Gazette|date=February 17, 2022|access-date=June 5, 2022}} In 2021, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web|url=http://pointstreak.com/baseball/player.html?playerid=1506087&seasonid=32825 |title=#20 Paul Skenes – Profile |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=July 24, 2022}} In 2022, Skenes won the John Olerud Award as the nation's best two-way player.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/skenes-captures-2022-john-olerud-two-way-player-of-the-year-award|title=Skenes captures 2022 John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award|website=MLB.com|date=June 14, 2022|access-date=June 14, 2022}}

After his sophomore season, Skenes entered the NCAA transfer portal.{{cite web|url=https://www.koaa.com/sports/air-force-all-american-skenes-enters-transfer-portal|title=Air Force All-American Skenes enters transfer portal|first=Jake|last=Gadon|website=KOAA.com|date=June 7, 2022|access-date=June 13, 2022}} On July 28, 2022, Skenes announced that he would transfer to Louisiana State University (LSU) to play for the LSU Tigers.{{Cite web |title=LSU baseball lands transfer dual threat player Paul Skenes |url=https://247sports.com/college/lsu/Article/lsu-lands-transfer-pitcher-catcher-Paul-Skenes--190670269/ |access-date=July 29, 2022 |website=Geaux247 |language=en-US}} On June 22, 2023, Skenes broke Ben McDonald's SEC and LSU record for strikeouts in a single season, recording his 203rd strikeout of the year.{{Cite web|title=LSU baseball: Paul Skenes breaks Ben McDonald's single-season record for strikeouts at CWS|url=https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/lsu/2023/06/22/paul-skenes-ben-mcdonald-lsu-baseball-college-world-series-2023-strikeout-record/70346591007/|access-date=July 26, 2023|website=theadvertiser.com|language=en}}

Following the 2023 season, Skenes won the National Pitcher of the Year Award{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/skenes-earns-second-cbf-honor-named-2023-pitcher-of-the-year|title=Skenes earns second CBF honor, named 2023 Pitcher of the Year|website=MLB.com}} and the Dick Howser Trophy.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nola.com/sports/lsu/lsu-pitcher-paul-skenes-receives-dick-howser-trophy/article_80a01076-0b8a-11ee-9175-6fdae39aac91.html|title=LSU pitcher Paul Skenes receives one of highest honors in college baseball|first=LEAH VANN | Staff|last=writer|date=June 15, 2023|website=NOLA.com}} LSU won the 2023 College World Series and Skenes was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player.{{cite web|url= https://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2022-06-26/college-world-series-most-outstanding-player-award-complete-history |title= College World Series Most Outstanding Player award history, winners |first=|last=|date=June 26, 2023 |access-date=June 26, 2023}}

Professional career

=Draft and minor leagues=

File:Paul Skenes (53676302036).jpg

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Skenes with the first overall selection of the 2023 Major League Baseball draft. He and Dylan Crews became the first college teammates in MLB draft history to be selected with the first two overall picks.{{cite news |last1=Nagy |first1=Zack |title=LSU Baseball Stars Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews Make History at MLB Draft |url=https://www.si.com/college/lsu/baseball/lsu-baseball-stars-paul-skenes-and-dylan-crews-make-history-at-mlb-draftt |access-date=August 2, 2023 |work=FanNation |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=July 10, 2023}} Skenes was the second player in LSU history to be selected first overall in the draft, joining Ben McDonald. He signed with the Pirates on July 18, 2023, for a $9.2 million signing bonus, the highest ever for a drafted player.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-signed-by-pirates|title=Pirates sign No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes|website=MLB.com|date=July 18, 2023|access-date=July 18, 2023}}{{cite news |title=Pirates sign No. 1 pick Paul Skenes to record $9.2M deal |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38031139/pirates-sign-no-1-pick-paul-skenes-record-92m-deal |access-date=July 19, 2023 |agency=Reuters |work=ESPN.com |date=July 18, 2023}} Skenes debuted on MLB.com's MLB Pipeline list as the third-ranked prospect league-wide and the top-ranked pitcher.{{cite news |last1=Connon |first1=Sam |title=Pittsburgh Pirates Top Pick Paul Skenes Debuts as Top 5 Prospect in MLB Pipeline |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/minors/pittsburgh-pirates-top-pick-paul-skenes-debuts-as-top-5-prospect-number-1-pitcher-in-mlb-pipeline-midseason-update |access-date=August 14, 2023 |work=FanNation |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=August 11, 2023}}

On August 7, Skenes was assigned to the rookie-level Florida Complex League Pirates with the expectation of limited innings due to his high usage at LSU the prior spring.{{cite web |title=Paul Skenes Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.milb.com/player/paul-skenes-694973 |website=MiLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |access-date=August 9, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Wild |first1=Danny |title=Top pick Skenes to debut with FCL Pirates |url=https://www.milb.com/florida-complex/news/top-pick-skenes-to-debut-with-fcl-pirates |access-date=August 9, 2023 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date=July 26, 2023}} He made his professional debut on August 10 and pitched a one-two-three inning against the FCL Twins; all but one of his pitches were clocked at {{convert|99|mph}} or higher and he struck out fellow top draft pick Walker Jenkins.{{cite news |last1=delos Santos |first1=Justice |title=Skenes delivers impressive showcase in pro debut |url=https://www.milb.com/news/pirates-paul-skenes-first-pro-appearance |access-date=August 10, 2023 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date=August 10, 2023}} Five days later, August 15, Skenes was assigned to the Single-A Bradenton Marauders.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/player/paul-skenes-694973?stats=career-r-pitching-minors&year=2023 | title=Paul Skenes Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News | website=MLB.com }} Just six days after that he was again promoted, to the Double-A Altoona Curve.{{cite news |last1=delos Santos |first1=Justice |title=No. 1 Draft pick Skenes gets promoted to Double-A |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-pirates-promoted-to-double-a |access-date=August 21, 2023 |work=MiLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date=August 21, 2023}} Skenes began the 2024 season with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians.{{Cite web|title=Paul Skenes opens season in Indy, but baseball's best pitching prospect won't stay long|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2024/03/27/paul-skenes-opens-season-in-indy-but-he-might-not-be-here-long/73109717007/|access-date=March 30, 2024|website=indystar.com|language=en}}{{cite web | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-dominates-in-triple-a-debut?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage | title=Skenes electric in perfect Triple-A debut, averages 100 on 21 fastballs | website=MLB.com }} He pitched to a 0.99 ERA with 45 strikeouts over {{frac|27|1|3}} innings.

=Pittsburgh Pirates (2024–present)=

File:Paul Skenes of the Pirates.png

On May 11, 2024, the Pirates selected Skenes' contract and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time.{{Cite web|title=Pirates Designate Roansy Contreras, Place Ke'Bryan Hayes On 10-Day IL|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/05/pirates-designate-roansy-contreras-place-kebryan-hayes-on-10-day-il.html|access-date=May 11, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=May 11, 2024 |language=en}} In his MLB debut at PNC Park against the Chicago Cubs that day, Skenes threw 17 fastballs at {{convert|100|mph}} or higher and struck out seven, but surrendered three earned runs in four innings in a no decision.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-called-up-by-pirates|title=Top MLB pitching prospect Skenes getting called up to Pirates|website=MLB.com}}{{cite web |title=Pirates Cubs May 11 2024 box score |url=https://africa.espn.com/mlb/boxscore/_/gameId/401569056 |website=ESPN |access-date=May 12, 2024}} In his second start, against the Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 17, Skenes threw six innings without allowing a hit, striking out eleven batters (including the first seven batters he faced).{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40166583/pirates-paul-skenes-dominant-second-start-vs-cubs|title=Skenes strikes out first seven Cubs, 11 overall|date=May 17, 2024|website=ESPN.com}}

On July 7, 2024, he was selected to the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, becoming the first No. 1 draft pick to do so as a rookie.{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2024/07/07/mlb-all-star-game-rosters-al-nl-rosters/74322148007/ |title=MLB All-Star Game rosters: Pirates rookie Paul Skenes makes MLB history with selection |website=USA Today |date=July 7, 2024 |access-date=July 7, 2024 }} On July 11, National League team manager Torey Lovullo named Skenes the starting pitcher for the National League for the game, becoming the fifth rookie ever to receive the selection.{{cite news |title=Lovullo: Skenes is a 'generational guy' |url=https://www.nbc.com/dan-patrick-show/video/torey-lovullo-paul-skenes-is-a-generational-guy/nbc_dps_toreylovullointerview_240717 |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=NBC.com |publisher=Comcast |date=July 17, 2024}}{{cite magazine |last1=D'Agostino |first1=Alex |title=D-backs Manager Explains Decision to Start Paul Skenes in All-Star Game |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/diamondbacks/arizona-diamondbacks-news/torey-lovullo-gives-concerning-gabriel-moreno-update-01j4t5qfzhjr |access-date=August 9, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=July 12, 2024}} Skenes threw a scoreless inning in the All-Star game, walking Juan Soto but subsequently retiring Aaron Judge with a groundout.{{cite news |last1=De Nicola |first1=Christina |title=AL's best no match for Skenes in rookie's scoreless ASG debut |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-starts-2024-mlb-all-star-game-for-national-league |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date=July 16, 2024}}

On September 9 against the Miami Marlins, Skenes struck out Connor Norby in the top of the first inning to record his 143rd strikeout, the new Pittsburgh Pirates franchise record for strikeouts in a single season by a rookie.{{Cite news |last=Stumpf |first=Alex |date=September 9, 2024 |title=Skenes sets Pirates season mark for strikeouts by a rookie since 1900 |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-sets-pirates-season-strikeout-mark-for-rookie |access-date=September 9, 2024 |work=MLB.com}} Skenes ended his rookie season with a 1.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 170 strikeouts, 32 walks, and an 11–3 record in 23 starts.{{cite web |title=Paul Skenes #30 |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/paul-skenes-694973 |website=MLB |access-date=September 29, 2024}} After the season, Skenes was named NL Rookie of the Year and finished third for the Cy Young Award losing to Chris Sale of the Atlanta Braves. {{cite web | last=Castillo | first=Jorge | title=Pirates' Skenes, Yanks' Gil named Rookies of Year | website=ESPN.com | date=November 18, 2024 | url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42472381/pittsburgh-pirates-ace-paul-skenes-named-nl-rookie-year | access-date=May 30, 2025}}{{cite web | last=Stumpf | first=Alex | title=Paul Skenes finishes third in 2024 National League Cy Young Award | website=MLB.com | date=November 21, 2024 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-finishes-third-in-2024-national-league-cy-young-award | access-date=May 30, 2025}}

On March 27, 2025, Skenes was the Opening Day starting pitcher for the 2025 Pirates. Facing the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park, he pitched five{{frac|1|3}} innings, giving up two hits and walking two while striking out seven. However, the Marlins scored three runs in the last two innings off of Pittsburgh's bullpen, defeating the Pirates, 5–4, and leaving Skenes with a no decision.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401694913 |title=Pirates vs. Marlins – Box Score – March 27, 2025 |website=ESPN |date=March 27, 2025 |access-date=March 27, 2025}} On April 2, 2025, he got his first win of the season against Tampa Bay Rays, pitched seven innings, giving up three hits, and striking out six batters in a 4–2 win.{{cite web |last=Murphy |first=Brian |title=Paul Skenes dominates Rays as Pirates end losing streak |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-dominates-rays-pirates-end-losing-streak |website=MLB.com |date=April 2, 2025 |access-date=May 30, 2025}} On April 26, 2025, Skenes hurled 6{{frac|1|3}} scoreless innings and recorded a season-high with nine strikeouts in the Pirates’ 3–0 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers.{{cite web |last=Wexler |first=Sarah |title=Paul Skenes strikes out season-high nine vs. Dodgers |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-strikes-out-season-high-nine-vs-dodgers |website=MLB.com |date=April 26, 2025 |access-date=May 3, 2025}}

On July 6, Skenes was named to the 2025 All-Star Game roster, his second consecutive NL All-Star selection.{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Doug |title=In his second MLB season, Skenes earns second career All-Star nod |url=https://www.mlb.com/pirates/news/paul-skenes-selected-to-his-2nd-all-star-game | website=MLB.com |date=July 6, 2025 | access-date=July 8, 2025}} On July 12, National League team manager Dave Roberts named Skenes the starting pitcher for the National League for the game, his second consecutive year to receive the selection.{{cite news |title=Standout aces Skubal, Skenes tabbed to start Tuesday's All-Star Game |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tarik-skubal-paul-skenes-2025-all-star-game-starters |website=MLB.com |date=July 12, 2025 |access-date=July 12, 2025}}

Personal life

Skenes is in a relationship with former LSU gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne. He said in an interview that they started dating after his best friend at LSU dated Dunne's roommate Elena Arenas.{{cite news |last=Mackey |first=Jason |date=August 18, 2023 |title=Paul Skenes discusses dating Livvy Dunne and his unique relationship with social media |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2023/08/18/pirates-paul-skenes-livvy-dunne-social-media-lsu-gymnast-dating/stories/202308170096 |work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |location=Pittsburgh, PA, USA |access-date=August 18, 2023}}

On January 28, 2025, Skenes was named as one of the three cover athletes of MLB The Show 25 alongside Elly De La Cruz and Gunnar Henderson, making him the first non two-way pitcher to be featured on a MLB The Show cover.

References

External links

[https://goairforcefalcons.com/sports/baseball/roster/paul-skenes/11192 Air Force Falcons bio]
[https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/paul-skenes/ LSU Tigers bio]

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