Paul Skenes, the towering 6-foot-6 right-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, has rapidly ascended to prominence in Major League Baseball. Born on May 29, 2002, in Fullerton, California, Skenes' journey to the majors is a testament to his talent and determination.
Collegiate Brilliance
Skenes began his collegiate career at the United States Air Force Academy, where he showcased his dual-threat capabilities as both a pitcher and a hitter. In 2022, he earned the John Olerud Award, recognizing him as the nation's top two-way player. Seeking greater competition, Skenes transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) for his junior year. At LSU, he delivered a stellar performance, recording a 13-2 win-loss record with a 1.69 ERA over 122.2 innings. His dominance on the mound, highlighted by 209 strikeouts against just 20 walks, played a pivotal role in leading the Tigers to a College World Series title in 2023.
Professional Debut and Accolades
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Skenes as the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, and he swiftly progressed through their minor league system. Making his MLB debut on May 11, 2024, Skenes' rookie season was nothing short of remarkable. He posted an 11-3 record with a 1.96 ERA and amassed 170 strikeouts over 133 innings. His exceptional performance earned him the National League Rookie of the Year award and an All-Star selection, where he became only the fifth rookie in MLB history to start as pitcher for the National League.
Paul Skenes Diamond Dynasty Cards
Live Series: 86 overall with Outlier 4-Seamer!
20th Anniversary Series: Another easily attainable 80-overall that can cause online players fits!
As the 2025 season unfolds, Skenes continues to be a cornerstone of the Pirates' pitching rotation. His commitment to refining his craft and expanding his pitching repertoire signals a promising future, both for himself and for Pittsburgh.
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Cory Wayne Dell
Cory has been writing about all things baseball and gaming since 2022 and has been featured at Operation Sports as well as cited by Forbes. Cory is also a multi-instrumentalist and founder of the band Cargocastle. Cargocastle's latest single, "Truth and Reconciliation," is available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms. Cory is also the author of Shadow of a Monster, a personal memoir currently seeking publication.
