Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitching phenom, initially had reservations about the team’s plan to develop him gradually at the start of the season. However, reflecting on his stellar rookie year, Skenes now sees the wisdom in starting his first full professional season in Triple-A to build up his endurance gradually.

As the 22-year-old rookie wraps up a remarkable season where he exceeded expectations by starting the All-Star Game, coming close to no-hitters, and holding his own against some of the best players in the league, Skenes acknowledges the importance of the strategic plan put in place for his development.

Skenes, who boasts an impressive 11-2 record and a 1.99 ERA in 22 starts, is looking forward to his final start of the season. He is already anticipating the opportunities that the upcoming 2025 season might bring, where he hopes to have fewer restrictions and more autonomy on the mound.

Since making his major league debut in May as the top overall pick in the 2023 draft, Skenes has wowed fans with his high-speed fastball and confident demeanor on the field, earning the nickname “Skenes Day.” He has evolved his pitching strategy throughout the season, incorporating new pitches to enhance his repertoire and challenge opposing batters.

Even Pirates manager Derek Shelton has praised Skenes’ exceptional progress, noting the rare skill of adding new pitches to his arsenal in his debut season in the big leagues. Despite the buzz around him and being a top candidate for NL Rookie of the Year, Skenes remains focused on his performance and continuous improvement.

While the Pirates fell short in the late season push for a postseason spot due to bullpen struggles and offensive shortcomings, Skenes remains optimistic about the team’s future. He believes that better days are ahead for the Pirates and their fans, expressing confidence in a stronger performance in the upcoming season and encouraging supporters to continue their unwavering support.

As Skenes looks ahead to the 2025 season with fewer restrictions and more opportunities to showcase his talents, he aims to contribute to more victories for the Pirates and build on the positive momentum generated during his rookie year.

This season has been a testament to Skenes’ dedication and talent, setting the stage for an exciting future in MLB for the promising young pitcher.