Flame-throwing beginning pitcher Paul Skenes went first total to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday within the 2023 MLB Draft. Nonetheless, with expertise as a two-way participant, would possibly Skenes be the Pirates model of Shohei Ohtani in the future?
Shortly after listening to his identify known as at No. 1, Skenes dedicated to being a pitcher first however did not fully rule out hitting in some unspecified time in the future.
“I believe I am a pitcher,” Skenes stated by way of ESPN. “However, we’ll see in regards to the hitting — I’d wish to hit, however I positively suppose I am a pitcher first.”
Skenes was unbelievable for the Tigers as a hurler throughout their championship season, however his skills prolong past the mound. Earlier than transferring to LSU in 2023, Skenes was a two-way standout for Air Power, pitching and catching. In 119 video games over two seasons for Air Power, Skenes batted .367/.453/.669 with 24 house runs and 81 RBI.
With the emergence of Ohtani as each a dominant pitcher and hitter, it is solely pure to anticipate that somebody, someplace, is the subsequent to do it. Nonetheless, whereas it is perhaps enjoyable to think about Skenes being the man, the Pirates will most likely be comfortable including an ace to their rotation.
At 6-foot-6, Skenes is an intimidating pressure on the mound and his collegiate numbers again it up. In 2023, Skenes completed 10-2 with a 1.89 ERA whereas main all of school baseball in strikeouts (167) and WHIP (0.79).
On Sunday, Skenes grew to become the primary pitcher to win the MCWS Most Excellent Participant Award and go No. 1 within the MLB Draft. However he earned these accolades as a pitcher, not a hitter.
